THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


JOURNAL 

OF     THE 

LIFE,   GOSPEL   LABOURS, 

AND 

CHRISTIAN    EXPERIENCES 

OF     THAT 

FAITHFUL    MINISTER 

oy 
JESUS        CHRIST, 

JOHN     W  O  O  L  M  A  N, 

Late  ofMouNT-HoLLY,   in  the  Province  of 
NEW-JERSEY. 


Is  At  A  H  xxiii.   17. 

The  laork  of  right  eoufnefi  Jhall  be  peace  ;  and  the  effefl  of  righteouf- 
nefs,  quietnefs  and  affurance  for  ever. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

Printed  by  JOSEPH  CRUKSHANK,  in  Market- Street,  between 
Second  and  Third  Streets. 

n.r,  CO  ,!/{<£  I  V, 


&/ 


TESTIMON   Y'7 

O    F 

FRIENDS    IN    YORKSHIRE, 

//  taslr  Quarterly-Meeting,  held  at  YORK  the  24th  and  25th  of 
the  third  month,   1773,  concerning 

JOHN    W  O  O  L  M  A  N, 

tyf  Mpuitt- Holly,  i:i  the  pro'i  ^lu-Jtrfy   , 

in  America,  'who  departed  this  life  at  the 
houfe  of  our  friend  Thomas  Friellman,  in 
ihe  juburbs  of  this  city,  the  jth  of  the  tenth 
•month,  1772,  and  ivas  interred  in  the  bury- 
9  ing  ground  of  friends  the  9th  of  the  fame, 
aged  abuit  jifty  two  years. 

TH  I  S  our  valuable  friend  having  been 
under  a  religious  engagement  for  ibxne 
time,  to  viiit  friends  in  this  nation,  and  more 
efpecially  us  in  the  northern  parts,  under- 
took the  fame  in  full  concurrence  and  near 
fympathy  with  his  friends  and  brethren,  at 
home,  as  appeared  by  cei  irom  i 

monthly  and  quarterly  meetings  to  which  he 

mini  .       ;.a, 

:iey. 
A  2  He 

461438 


[     ivj 

He  arrived  in  the  city  of  London  the  be- 
ginning of  the  lad  yearly  meeting,  and  after 
attending  that  meeting  travelled  northward, 
vifiting  the  quarterly  meetings  of  Hertford- 
fhire,  Buckinghamfhire,  Northamptonfhire, 
Oxfordshire  and  Worcefterfhire,  and  divers 
particular  meetings  in  his  way. 

He  vifited  many  meetings  on  the  "Weft  fide 
of  this  county,  alfo  fbme  in  Lancafhire  and 
"Weftmoreland,  from  whence  he  came  to  our 
quarterly  meeting  in  the  laft  ninth  month, 
and  though  much  out  of  health,  yet  was  en- 
abled to  attend  all  the  fittings  of  that  meet- 
ing except  the  laft. 

-His  dilbrder  then,  which  proved  the  fmall 
pox,  increafed  fpeedily  upon  him,  and  was 
very  afflicting ;  under  which  he  was  fupport- 
ed  in  much  meeknefs,  patience,  and  chrifti- 
an  fortitude  ;  to  thofe  who  attended  him  in 
Ins  illnefs,  his  mind  appeared  to  be  centered 
in  divine  love ;  under  the  precious  influence 
whereof,  we  believe  he  finimed  his  courfe, 
and  entered  into  the  manfions  of  everlafting 
reft. 

In  the  early  part  of  his  illnefs  he  requefted 
a  friend  to  write,  and  he  broke  forth  thus. 

"  O  Lord  my  God  !  the  amazing  horrors 
of  darknefs  were  gathered  around  me  and  co- 
vered me  all  over,  and  I  law  no  way  to  go 
forth  ;  I  felt  the  mifery  of  my  fellow  crea- 
tures feparated  from  the  divine  harmony  and 
it:  wras  heavier  than  I  could  bear,  and  I  was 
crufned  down  under  k  ;  I  lifted  up  my  hand, 
and  {tretched  cut  my  arm,  but  there  was 

was 


none  to  help  me ;  I  looked  round  about  and 
was  amazed  :  in  the  depths  of  miiery,  O 
Lord !  I  remembered  that  thou  art  omnipo- 
tent, that  I  had  called  thee  father,  and  I  felt 
that  I  loved  thee,  and  I  was  made  quiet  in 
thy  will,  and  I  waited  for  deliverance  from 
thee  ;  thou  hadfl  pity  upon  me,  when  no  man 
could  help  me  ;  I  faw  that  meeknefs  under 
fuffering  was  ihewed  to  us  in  the  rnoft  affect- 
ing example  of  thy  foil,  and  thou  waft  teach- 
ing me  to  follow  him,  and  I  faid,  thy  Will, 
O  Father  be  done." 

Many  more  of  his  weighty  expreiTions 
might  have  been  inferted  here,  but  it  was 
deemed  unnccefTary,  they  being  already  pub- 
jiflied  in  print. 

He  was  a  man  endued  with  a  large  natural 
capacity,  and  being  obedient  to  the  mani- 
feftations  of  Divine  Grace,  having  in  patience 
and  humility  endured  many  deep  baptifms, 
he  became  thereby  fanctified  and  fitted  for 
the  Lord's  work,  and  was  truly  ferviceable 
in  his  church  ;  dwelling  in  awful  fear  : 
v.-atchfulriefs,  he  was  careful  in  his  public 
.:ara:ices  to  feel  the  putting  forth  of  ire 
Divine  Hand,  fo  that  the  fpring  of  the  gofpcl 
riiiniftry  often  flowed  through  him  with  great 
fweetneis  and  purity,  as  a  refrefhing  ftreairi 
to  the  weary  travellers  towards  the  city  of 
•  God:  fkilfull  in  dividing  the  word,  he  wns 
furniflied  by  Him  in  whom  are  hid  all  the 
treasures  of  wifdom  and  knowledge,  to  com- 
municate freely  to  the  icveral  dates  of  the 

people 


people  where  his  lot  was  caft.     His  conduct 
at  other  times   was   feaibncd  with   the    like 
Wiitchful  circumfpecHon  and  attention  to  the 
nice  of  Divine  Wifdom,  wliich  rendered 
hole  converfation  uiiiformly  edifying. 
was  fully  perfuaded  that  as  the  life  of 
Chrift  conies  to  reign  in  the  earth,  all  abule 
and  unnccciTary  opprefiion,  both  of  the  hu- 
man and  brute  creation  will  come  to  an  end  ; 
but  under  the  fenfe  of  a  deep  revolt,  and  an 
overflowing  ftream  of  unrightcoufnefs,    his 
life' has  been  often  a  lite  of  mourning. 

He  was  deeply  concerned  on  account  of 
that  inhuman  and  iniquitous  practice  of 
making  (laves  of  the  people  of  Africa,  or 
holding  them  in  that  (late  ;  and  on  that  ac- 
count we  underftand  he  hath  not  only  wrote 
Ibmc  books,  but  travelled  much  on  the  ccn- 

of  America,  in  order  to  in.ike  tl: 
gro  mailers  (especially  thofe  in  profeflion  with 
.  )(ible  of  the  evil  of  fuch  a  practice  ;  and 
though  in  this  journey  to  England,  he  was 
far  removed  from  the  outward  fight  of  their 
liiiferings,  yet  his  deep  exercife  of  mind  re-r 
inained,  as  appears  by  a  iliort  treatife  he 
wrote  ill  this  journey,  and  his  frequent  con- 
cern to  open  the  miserable  ftate  of  this  deep- 
ly injured  people  :  his  teftiniony  in  the  laft 
meeting  he  attended  was  on  this  fubjecl:, 
wherein  he  remarked,  that  as  we  as  a  fociety, 
when  under  outward  fufferings  had  often 
found  it  our  concern  to  lay  them  before  thr.fc 
in  authority,  and  thereby  in  the  Lord's  time, 

had 


had  obtained  relief,  fo  he  recommended  this 
opprefTed  part  of  the  creation  to  our  notice, 
that  we  may  as  way  may  open,  reprefent 
their  fufferings  in  an  individual,  if  not  a  fo- 
ciety,  capacity  to  thofe  in  authority. 

Deeply  fenuble  that  the  defire.to  gratify 
people's  inclinations  in  luxury  and  fuperilui- 
ties,  is  the  principal  ground  of  oppreflionr 
and  the  occaiion  of  many  unneceffary  wants, 
he  believed  it  to  be  his  duty  to  be  a  pattern 
of  great  felf-denial,  with  refpecl  to  the  things 
of  this  life,  and  earneftly  to  labour  with 
friends  in  the  meeknefs  of  wifdom,  to  im- 
prefs  on  their  minds  the  great  importance  of 
our  teftinioiiy  in  thefe  things,  recommending 
to  the  guidance  of  the  blelfed  Truth  in  this 
and  all  other  concerns,  and  cautioning  fuch  ' 
as  are  experienced  therein,  againfl  contenting 
themfelves  with  acting  up  to  the  flandard  of 
others,  but  to  be  careful  to  make  the  ftand- 
ard  of  truth  manifefled  to  them,  the  meafure 
of  their  obedience  ;  for  f aid  lie,  "  That  pu- 
vltv  of  life  which  proceeds  from  faithfulneis 
in  following  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  that  ft.- 
where  our  minds  are  devoted  to  ferve  God, 
and  all  our  wants  are  bounded  by  his  wif- 
dom ;  this  habitation  has  often  been  opened 
before  me  as  a  place  of  retirement  for  the 
children  of  the  li#ht,  where  they  may  (land 
fbparated  from  that  which  difordereth  and 
eonfufeth  the  affairs  of  ibciety,  and  where  we 
may  have  a  teflimony  of  our  innocence  in  the 
hearts  of  thofe  who  behold  us." 

We 


We  conclude  with  fervent  defires,  that  we 
as  a  people  may  thus,  by  our  example,  pro- 
mote the  Lord's  work  in  the  earth ;  and  our 
hearts  being  prepared,  may  unite  in  prayer 
to  the  great  Lord  of  the  harveft:,  that  as  in 
his  infinite  wifdom  he  hath  greatly  ftripped 
the  church,  by  removing  of  late  divers  faith- 
ful miniilers  and  elders,  he  may  be  pleafed 
to  fend  forth  many  more  faithful  labourers 
into  his  harveft. 

Signed  iiiy  by  order ,  and  on  behalf  of 
faid  meeting. 

Thomas  Bennett  ^  Samuel  Brifcos, 

John  Starr,  John  Turner , 

Jofcph  Eglin,  Jo/Jjiia  Robinfon, 

Thomas  Pcrkinfon^  Thomas  Prieftman,   and 
right i  divers  other  Frk  • 


TESTIMONY 

O  F    T  H  E 
MONTHLY-MEETING  OF  FRIENDS, 

field  in  Burlington,  the  frjl  day  cf  the  eig!:th  month,  in  the  \carof 
our  Lord,   1774,  concerning  our  efteemed  fritnd 

JOHN     WOOLMAN,    DECEASED. 

HE  was  born  in  Northampton,  in  the 
county  of  Burlington,  and  province  of 
Weft-New- Jcrfey,  in  the  eighth  month,  1720, 
of  religious  parents,  who  inflrudled  him  very- 
early  in  the  principles  of  the  chriflian  religi- 
on, as  profeiFed  by  the  people  called  Quakers, 
which  he  efteemed  a  blefling  to  him,  even  in 
his  young  years,  tending  to  prefer ve  him 
from  the  infection  of  wicked  children  ;  but 
through  the  workings  of  the  enemy,  and  le- 
vity incident  to  youth,  he  frequently  deviated 
from  thofe  parental  precepts,  by  which  he 
laid  a  renewed  foundation  for  repentance, 
that  was  finally  fucceeded  by  a  godly  forrow 
not  to  be  repented  of,  and  fo  became  ac- 
quainted with  that  fanclifying  power  which 
qualifies  for  true  gofpel  miniftry,  into  which 
he  was  called  about  the  twenty-fecond  year 
of  his  age,  and  by  a  faithful  uie  of  the  ta- 
lents committed  to  him,  he  experienced  an 
encreafe,  until  he  arrived  at  the  flate  of  a  fa- 
ther, 


thcr,  capable  of  dividing  the  word  aright  to 

the  different  dates  he  miniflered  unto  ;  dif- 

pmfn'g  milk  to  babes,    and  meat  to  thofe  of 

riper  years.      Thus  he  found  the  efficacy  of 

er  to  arife,    which  in  his  own  ex- 

;iis,    "  prepares   the  creature  to   Hand 

like  a  trumpet  through  which  the  Lord  fpeaks 

to  his  pccr-ile." — I-I-  \vas  a  loving  hufband,  a 

and   very  humane   to   every 

part  of  the  creation  under  his  care. 

His  concern  for  the  poor  and  thofe  in  af- 
fliction  was  evident  by  his  viiits  to  them  ; 
whom  lie  frequently  relieved  by  his  afliftance 
and  charity.     He  was  for  many  years  deeply 
int  of  the  poor  •JH:]:IT.~;\!  A- 
;  cr.ufj,  as  he  fometim-:s  men- 
i,    lay   alraofl  continually  irion   him, 
:  )  obtain  liberty  to  thofe  captives,  he  la- 
boured both  in  public  and  private  ;   and  was 
to  fee  his  endeavours  crowned  with 
! :   faccefs.      He    was    particularly 
ms  that  friends  mould  not  be   inftru- 

theas  on  this  opprefTed 
pie,   b  -  of  Riril: 

1  been  providentially  del: . 
)f  trouble  iliould  return,  no  in- 

Jnlt  ir>,  bat,    be'  r,    we 

:igh- 
:e  of  confidence,   for  liis  intcr- 

f,    not    to   countenance   ilavery 
Sy  tiu  ui  j  coa^/eniencies  of  life 

v  re  f  ;)v  their  labour. 

Ht 


t  ri  ] 

He  was  denrous  to  have  his  own,  and  the 
minds  of  others,  redeemed  from  the  pleaiures 
and  immoderate  profits  of  this  world,  and  to 
fix  them  on  thofc  joys  which  fade  not  away  ; 
his  principal  care  being  after  a  life  of  purity, 
endeavouring  to  r.vcid  not  only  the  gi 
pollutions,  but  thofe  alfo  which,  appearing 
in  a  more  refined  drefs,  are  rn  ciruv 

guarded  againfl  by  fome  well  diipoied  peo- 
ple.     In  the  latter  part  of  his  life  he 
markabie  for  the  plainnefs  and  fimpiici 
his  dreis,  and  as  much  as  poiliblc,  av. 
the  ufe  of  plate,  coftly  furniture  and  feaftin.c; ; 
thereby  endeavouring  to  become  an  exc. 
of  temperance  and  felf-denial,  which  L . 
licvci  hi  illicit  ca'rxl  r.n'cj  ;   and  was  t.. . 
ed  with  peace   therein,  akho'  it  c 
.ranee  of  great  auflerity  in  tL. 
fome.     He  was  very  moderate  in  his  charges 
in  the  way  of  I:i:fi:.cfs,   and  in  his  cLurjj  af- 
ter griiii ;  and  tho'  a  man  of  indufcry,  ;. 
ed,  and  drove  much  to  lead  others  out  of  e:- 
ur,  and  anxiouihcis  after  pefilhable 
things ;    being  dciircus  that  th^  ilrcngtli  of 
oi;r  b  jdic^  might  not  be  fpent  in.  procuring 

\~,   and  t.iAt  v/e 
m  and  kindiiefs  to  the  brute  air 
under  our  care,  to  pri^c  the  ufe  cf  them  as  a 
great  favour,    and  by  no  means  abule  them  ; 
that  the  gifts  of  Providence  ihould  be  thank- 
fully received  and  applied  to  the  uies  they 
were  deiigned. 

He  feveral  times  opened  a  fchooi  at  M: 
Holly,    for  tK-  infraction  of  poo^   iV'encls 

children 


children  and  others,  being  concerned  for  their 

l^p  and  improvement  therein : — his  love  and 

«          or  the  riling  youth  among  us  was  truly 

,    recommending  to  parents   and  thofe 

liave  the  charge  of  them,  to  chufe  con- 

fcieiitious  and  pious  tutors,  faying,  "  It  is  a 

Jovtly  light  to  behold  innocent  children."  and 

"  to  labour  for  their  help  againfl  that 

which  would  inarr  the  beauty  of  their  i:. 

i-  a  debt  we  owe  them." 

His  miniftry  was  found,  very  deep  and  pe- 
netrating, fbmethnes  pointing  out  the  dan- 
gerous fituation  which  indulgence  and  cui- 
tom  leads  into  ;  frequently  exhorting  other?, 
efpeciaHy  the  youth,  not  to  be  difcouraged 
at  the  difficulties  which  occur,  but  prefs  after 
purity.  He  often  expreiTed  an  earned  en- 
gagement that  pure  'wifdom  Ihould  be  attend- 
ed to,  which  would  lead  into  lowlinefa  of 
.  and  refignation  to  the  divine  will,  in 
which  ftate  fmall  poiTeflions  here  would  be 
fufficient. 

In  tranfacling  the  affairs  of  difcipline,  his 
judgment  was  found  and  clear,  and  he  was 
very  ufeful  in  treating  with  thofe  who  had 
dene  amifs  ;  he  vifited  fuch  in  a  private' 
way  in  that  plainnefs  which  truth  dictates, 
ihewing  great  tendernefs  and  chriflian  for- 
bearance. He  was  a  conftant  attender  of  our 
yearly-meeting,  in  which  he  was  a  good  ex- 
ample, and  particularly  ufeful ;  amfling  ia 
the  bulinefs  thereof  with  great  weight  and  at- 
tention. He  feveral  times  vifited  mofloftha 
meetings  of  friends  in  this  and  the  neigh- 
bouring 


bouring  provinces,  with  the  concurrence  of 
the  monthly-meeting  to  "which  he  belonged, 
and  we  have  reafon  to  believe  had  good  ier- 
vice  therein,  generally  or  always  exprefling 
ac  his  return  how  it  had  fared  with  him,  and 
the  evidence  of  peace  in  his  mind  for  thus 
performing  his  duty.  He  was  often  concern- 
ed with  other  friends  in  the  important  fervice 
of  vifiting  families,  which  he  was  enabled  to 
go  through  to  fatisfac"lion. 

In  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  minifters 
and  elders  for  this  quarter,  at  the  foot  of  a 
lift  of  the  members  of  that  meeting,  made 
about  five  years  before  his  death,  we  find  in 
his  hand  writing  the  following  obfervatinu 
and  reflections.  "  As  looking  over  the  mi- 
nutes made  by  perfons  who  have  put  off  this 
body,  hath  fometimes  revived  in  me  a  thought 
how  ages  pafs  away  ;  fo  this  lift  may  proba- 
bly revive  a  like  thought  in  fome,  when  I  and 
the  reft  of  the  perfons  abovenamed,  are  cen- 
tered in  another  ftate  of  being. — The  Lord^ 
who  was  the  guide  of  my  youth,  hath  in  ten- 
der mercies  helped  me  hitherto  ;  he  hath 
healed  me  of  wounds,  he  hath  helped  me  out 
of  grievous  entanglements  ;  he  remains  to  be 
the  ftrength  of  my  life  ;  to  whom  I  deiire  to 
devote  myfelf  in  time,  and  in  eternity." — 
Signs d^  John  Woolman. 

In  the  twelfth  month,  1771,  he  acquaint- 
ed this  meeting  that  he  found  his  mind  drawn 
towards  a  religious  vifit  to  friends  in  fome 
parts  of  England,  particularly  in  Yorkihir?. 
In  the  firft  month  1772,  he  obtained 
tificate,  which  v;as  approved  and  endorfcd  by  , 

our 


our  quarterly  meeting,  and  by  the  half  year's 
meeting  or  miniflcTs  and  elders  at  Philadel- 
phia. He  embarked  oil  his  voyage  in  the 
lifth,  a;id  Arrived  in  London  in  the  fixth 
month  folio wing,  at  the  time  of  their  annual 
meeting  i:  :y*  During  his  Ihort  vifit 

to  friends-  in  that  kingdom,  we  are  informed 
that  his  fervices  were  acceptable  and  edifying. 
In  his  laft  i!lnds  he  uttered  many  lively  and 

.."j.-ibic  exprciiions,  being  "  perfectly 
,cl,  having  no  will  either  to  live  or  die,'* 
as  appears  by  the  teftimony  of  friends  at  York 
in  Great-Britain,  in  the  fuburbs  whereof,  at 
the  houfe  of  our  friend  Thomas  Friedman,  he 
died  of  the  {mall-pox,  on  the  feventh  day  of 
the  tenth  month,  1772,  and  was  buried  in 
friends  burying  ground  in  that  city,  on  the 
ninth  of  the  fame,  after  a  large  and  folid 
meeting  held  on  the  occafion,  at  their  great 

:ig-hcufe,  aged  near  fifcy-two  years  ;  a 
miniiler  upwards  of  thirty  years,  during 
which  time  he  belonged  to  Mount-Holly 
particular  meeting,  which  he  diligently  at- 
tended when  at  home  and  in  health  of  body, 
and  his  labours  of  love  and  pious  care  for  the 
-  of  friends  in  the  bleffed  truth,  we 
hope  rnny  not  I  :  ,  but  that  his  good 

.  iy  be  remembered  to  m. 

Sty 

SAMUEL  AL LI M SON,  (. 

Read  and  approved  at  our  quarterly-meet- 
ing,  /.old  at  Burlington  the  2i;th  of  tL 
mcrxtli,    1774. 

.'  by  order  of  full  ?•; 
D  A  N  I  £  L    SMI  T  II,    Clc't'L 


JOURNAL 

OF       THE 

LIFE      AND      TRAVELS 

O    F 

JOHN     WOOLMAN, 

IN  THE  SERVICE  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

CHAP.    L 

His  birth  and  parentage^  'with  fome  account  of 
the  operations  of  divine  grace  on  his  mind  in, 
his  youth  —  His  frjl  appearance  in  the  mini" 
Jlry  —  And  his  confederations,  'while  young^ 
on  the  keeping  of  Jlaves. 

I  HAVE    often    felt    a  motion  of    love 
to  leave  fome  hints  in  writing  of  my  ex- 
perience of  the  goodnefs  of  God:    and 
now,  in  the  thirty-fixth  year  of  my  age,  I 
begin  this  work. 

I  was  born  in  Northampton,  in  Burling- 
ton county,  Weft-Jerfey,  in  the  Year  1720; 
and  before  I  was  feven  years  old  I  began  to 
B  be 


2       THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

be  acquainted  with  the  operations  of  divine 
love.  Through  the  care  of  my  parents,  I  was 
taught  to  read  near  as  foon  as  I  was  capable 
of  it ;  and  as  I  went  from  ichool  one  feventh 
day,  I  remember,  while  my  companions  went 
to  play  by  the  way,  I  went  forward  out  of 
fight,  and  fitting  down,  I  read  the  22d  chap- 
ter of  the  Revelations.  "  He  mewed  me  a 
"  pure  river  of  water  of  life,  clear  as  chry* 
"  rial,  proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  God 
"  and  of  the  Lamb,  &c."  and  in.  reading 
it,  iny  mind  was  drawn  to  feek  after  that 
pure  habitation,  which,  I1  then  believed,  God 
had  prepared  for  his  Servants.  The  place 
where  I  late,  and  the  iweetiiefb  that  attended 
my  mind,  remains  frefh  in  my  memory. 

This,  and  the  like  gracious  vifitations,  had 
that  effecT:  upon  me,  that  when  boys  uied 
ill  language,  it  troubled  me  ;  and,  through 
the  continued  mercies  of  God,  1  was  pre- 
ferved  from  it. 

The  pious  inflru colons  of  my  parents  were 
often  frefh  in  my  mind  when  I  happened  to  be 
among  wicked  children,  and  were  of  uie  to  me. 
My  parents,  having  a  large  family  of  children, 
ufed  frequently,  on  firfl  days  after  meeting, 
to  put  us  to  read  in  the  holy  fcriptures,  or 
ibme  religious  books,  one  after  another,  the 
reft  fitting  by  without  much  conversation ; 
which,  I  have  fince  often  thought,  was  a  good 
practice.  Fiom  what  I  had  read  and  heard,, 
•jved  there  had  been,  in  paft  ages,  peo- 
ple who  walked  in  uprightneis  before  God, 
in  a  degree  exceeding  any  that  I  knew,  ot 

heard 


OF     JOHN     W  O  O  L  M  A  N.      3 

heard  of,  now  Living  :  and  the  apprehension 
of  there  being  lefs  fleadinefs  and  firmnefs 
amongft  people  in  this  age  than  in  pail  ages, 
often  troubled  me  while  I  was  a  child. 

A  thing  remarkable  in  my  childhood  was, 
that  once  going  to  a  neighbour's  houfe, 
I  faw,  on  the  way,  a  robin  fitting  on  her 
neil,  and  as  I  came  near  ihe  went  off,  but 
having  young  ones  flew  about,  and 
many  cries  exprefTed  her  concern  for  them  ; 
J  flood  and  threw  ilones  at  her,  till  one  iirik- 
ing  her,  ihe  fell  down  dead :  at  firil  I  was 
pleafed  with  the  exploit,  but  after  a  few  mi- 
nutes was  feized  with  horror,  as  having,  in 
a  fportive  way,  killed  an  innocent  creature 
while  me  was  careful  for  her  young  :  I  be- 
held her  lying  dead,  and  thought  thofe  y< 
ones,  for  which  me  was  fo  careful,  muft  now 
periih  for  want  of  their  dam  to  nourifh  them  ; 
and  after  fome  painful  considerations  on  the 
iiibjecl,  I  climbed  up  the  tree,  took  all  the 
young  birds,  and  killed  them;  fuppofmg  that 
better  than  to  leaye  them  to  pine  away  and 
die  miferably :  and  believed,  in  this  cafe, 
that  fcripture  proverb  was  fulfilled,  "  The 
"  tender  mercies  of  the  wicked  are  cruel."  I 
then  went  on  my  errand,  but,  for  fome 
hours,  could  think  of  little  elfe  but  the  cru- 
elties I  had  committed,  and  was  much 
bled.  Thus  He,  whofe  tender  mercies  are 
over  all  his  works,  hath  placed  a 
in  the  human  mind,  which  incites  to  excr- 
cife  goodnefs  towards  every  living  creature  ; 
and  tills  being  fingly  attended  to,  uco^le 
B  2 


4      THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

become  tender-hearted  and  fympathizing ; 
but  being  frequently  and  totally  rejected,  the 
mind  becomes  {hut  up  in  a  contrary  difpo- 
lition. 

About  the  twelfth  year  of  my  age,  my 
father  being  abroad,  my  mother  reproved 
me  for  fome  mifcondu<5t,  to  which  I  made 
iin  undutiful  reply  ;  and  the  next  firft  day, 
as  I  was  with  my  father  returning  from 
meeting,  he  told  me  he  underflood  I  had 
behaved  amifs  to  my  mother,  and  advifed 
me  to  be  more  careful  in  future.  I  knew 
myfelf  blameable,  and  in  iliame  -and  confu- 
fion  remained  filent.  Being  thus  awakened 
to  a  fenfe  of  my  wickediieis,  I  felt  remorfe 
in  my  mind,  and  getting  home,  I  retired  and 
prayed  to  the  Lord  to  forgive  me;  and  do 
not  remember  that  I  e^er,  after  that,  fpoke 
unhandfomely  to  either  of  my  parents,  how- 
ever foolilh  in  fome  other  things. 

Having  attained  the  age  of  fixteeii  years, 
I  began  to  love  wanton  company  ;  and  though 
I  was  preferved  from  profane  language,  or 
Scandalous  conduct,  Hill  I  perceived  a  plant  in 
me  which  produced  much  \»  lid  grapes :  yet  my 
merciful  Father  forfook  me  not  utterly,  but 
at  times,  through  his  grace,  I  was  brought 
ily  to  coixncier  my  ways  ;  and  the  fight 
of  my  backilidings  affected  me  with  forrow ; 
but  for  want  of  rightly  attending  to  the  re- 
proofs of  inftrvicTdon,  vanity  was  added  to 
vanity,  and  repentance  to  repentance:  upon 
iole,  my  mind  was  more  and  more  ali- 
Jie  truth,  and  I  hastened  to- 
ward 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  M  A  N. 

ward  deftruction.     While  I  meditate  on  the 
gulf  towards  which  I  travelled,  and  reflect 
on  my  youthful  difobedience,  for  thefe  t 
I  weep,  mine  eye  runneth  down  with  water. 

Advancing  in  age  the  number  of  my  ac- 
quaintance increaied,  and  thereby  my  way 
grew  more  difficult :  though  I  had  found 
comfort  in  reading  the  holy  fcriptures,  and 
thinking  on  heavenly  things,  I  was  now 
eflranged  therefrom  :  I  knew  I  was  going 
from  the  flock  of  Chrift,  and  had  no  refolu- 
tioii  to  return ;  hence  ierious  reflections  were 
uneafy  to  me,  and  youthful  vanities  and  di<- 
•verfions  my  greateft  plcafure.  Running  in 
this  road  I  found  many  like  myfelf ;  and  we 
afibciated  in  that  which  is  ,  reverie  to  true 
friendship. 

But  in  this  fwift  race  it  pleafed  God  • 
fit  me  with  ficknefs,    fo  that   I   clcub. 
recovering  ;   and  then  did  darknefs,   horror, 
and  amazement,    with  full  force,   feize  me, 
even  when  my  pain  and  cliflrefs  of  bod 
very  great.     I  thought  it  would  have- 
better  for  me  never  to  have  had  a  being,  than 
to  fee  the  day  which  I  now  iaw.    I  w; 
with  confufion  ;  and  in  great  affliction,    both 
of  mind  and  body,   I  lay  and  bewailed 
felf.    I  had  not  confidence  to  lift  up  my 
to  God,   whom  I  had  thus  offended  ;    but,  ia 
a  deep  fenfe  of  my  great  folly,   I  was 
bled  before  him :  and,   at  length,  that 
which  is  as  a  fire  and  a  hammer,  bro!. 
diffolved  my  rebellious  heart,   and  th. 
cries  were  put  up  in  contrition  ;    and 

111; 


6        THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

multitude  of  his  mercies  I  found  inward  re- 
lief, and  felt  a  cloie  engagement,  that  if  he 
;>!eafed   to  reflore  my  health,    I  might 
walk  humbly  bsfore  him. 

After  my  recovery,  this  exercife  remained 
•with  me  a  considerable  time;  but,  by  de- 
grees, giving  way  to  youthful  vanities,  they 
qfjuned  flrength,  and  getting  with  wanton 
young  people  I  loft  ground.  The  Lord  had 
been  very  gracious,  and  fpoke  peace  to  me 
in  the  time  of  my  diftrefs  ;  and  I  now  mofh 
ungratefully  turned  again  to  folly  ;  on  which 
account,  at  times,  I  felt  {harp  reproof,  but 
did  not  get  low  enough  to  cry  for  help.  I 
was  not  fo  hardy  as  to  commit  things  fcan- 
dalous  ;  but  to  exceed  in  vanity,  and  pro- 
mote mirth,  was  my  chief  ftudy.  Still  I  re- 
tained a  love  and  efteem  for  pious  people; 
and  their  company  brought  an  awe  upon  me. 
My  dear  parents,  fever al  times,  admonifhed 
me  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  their  ad- 
monition entered  into  my  heart,  and  had  a 
good  "effect  for  a  feafon  ;  but  not  getting 
deep  enough  to  pray  rightly,  the  tempter, 
when  he  came,  found  entrance.  I  remem- 
ber, once  having  fpent  a  part  of  the  day  in 
vrantonnefs,  as  I  went  to  bed  at  night,  there 
lay  in  a  window,  near  my  bed,  a  bible, 
which  I  opened,  and  firfl  call  my  eye  on  the 
text,  "  we  lie  down  in  our  ma  me,  and  our 
"  confufion  covers  us  ;"  this  I  knew  to  be 
my  cafe  :  and  meeting  with  fo  unexpected  a 
f,  I  was  fomewhat  afFecled  with  it,  and 

went 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.       7 

went  to  bed  under  remorfe  of  confcience  ; 
which  I  foon  cafl  off  again. 

Thus  time  pad  on  :  my  heart  was  reple- 
nimed  with  mirth  and  wantonnefs,  while 
pleating  fcenes  of  vanity  were  prefented  to 
my  imagination,  till  I  attained  the  age  of 
eighteen  years  ;  near  which  time  I  felt  th^ 
judgments  of  God,  in  my  foul,  like  a  con- 
fuming  fire  ;  and  looking  over  my  pad  i 
the  profpecl:  was  moving.  —  I  was  often  j 
and  longed  to  be  delivered  from  thole  vani- 
ties ;  then  again,  rny  heart  was  flrongly  in- 
clined to  them,  and  there  was  in  me  a  fore 
conflict:,  at  times  I  turned  to  folly;  and  then 

L'.II,    forrow  and    coiifufion  took   ho  id  of 
me.    In  a  while,  I  refolved  totally  to  leave  off 
fbme  of  my  vanities  ;  but  there  was  a  fecret 
referve  in  my  heart,  of  the  more  refined  ] 
of  them,  and  I  was  not  low  enough  to  rind 
true  peace.     Thus,  for  fome"  months,  I  had 
great  troubles  ;  there  remaining  in  me  an  ur,- 
fubjecled  will,    which  rendered  my  lab. 
fruitlefs,  till  at  length,  through  the  merciful 
continuance  of  heavenly  vifitations-,     I    > 
made  to  bow  down  in  fpirit  before  the  L< 
I  remember  one  evening  I  had  fpent:  !• 
time  in  reading  a  pious  author ;  and  waL; 
out  alone,  I  humbly  prayed  to  the  Lord  for 
his  help,  that  I  might  be  delivered  from  all 
thofe  vanities  which  fo  enfnared  me.     Thus 
being  brought  low,  he  helped  me ;  and  aa  I 
learned  to  bear  the  crofs,  I  felt  refreihnieiit  to 
come  from  his  prefence  ;    but  not  kc . 
that  ftrength  which  gave  victory,  I  loll  ground 


8        THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

again  ;  the  fenfe  of  which  greatly  affected 
me :  and  I  fought  deferts  and  lonely  places, 
and  there  with  tears  did  confefs  my  fins  to 
God,  and  humbly  craved  help  of  him.  And 
I  may  fay  with  reverence,  he  was  near  to  me 
in  my  troubles,  and  in  thofe  times  of  humi- 
liation opened  my  ear  to  difcipline.  I  was 
now  led  to  look  ferioufly  at  the  means  by 
which  I  was  drawn  from  the  pure  truth,  and 
learned  this,  that  if  I  would  live  in  the  life 
which  the  faithful  fervants  of  God  lived  in, 
I  muft  not  go  into  company  as  heretofore  in 
my  own  will;  but  all  the  cravings  of  fenfe 
muft  be  governed  by  a  divine  principle.  la 
times  of  forrow  and  abafement  thefe  inftruc- 
tions  were  fealed  upon  me,  and  I  felt  the 
power  of  Chrifl  prevail  over  felfiih  deiires,  fo 
that  I  was  preferved  in  a  good  degree  of  flea- 
dinefs  ;  and  being  young,  and  believing,  at 
that  time;  that  a  fingle  life  was  beft  for  me, 
I  was  flrengthened  to  keep  from  fuch  com- 
pany as  had  often  been  a  mare  to  me. 

I  kept  fteadily  to  meetings  ;  fpent  firfl  days 
afternoon  chiefly  in  reading  the  fcriptures 
and  other  good  books  ;  and  was  early  con- 
vinced in  my  mind,  that  true  religion  con- 
fifled  in  an  inward  life,  wherein  the  heart 
doth  love  and  reverence  God  the  Creator,  and 
learns  to  exercife  truejuflice  and  goodnefs, 
not  only  toward  all  men,  but  alfo  toward  the 
brute  creatures — That  as  the  mind  was  mov- 
ed, by  an  inward  principle,  to  love  God  as 
an  invifible  incomprehensible  Being  ;  by  the 
fame  principle  it  was  moved  to  love  him  in 

all 


.OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      9 

all  his  manifeflations  in  the  vifible  world — 
That,  as  by  his  breath,  the  flame  of  life  was, 
kindled  in  all  animal  fenfible  creatures,  to  fay 
we  love  God  as  unfeen,  and,  at  the  fame  time, 
exercife  cruelty  toward  the  lead  creature  mov- 
ing by  his  life,  or  by  life  derived  from  him  ; 
was  a  contradiction  in  itfelf. 

I  found  no  narrownefs  refpecling  feels  and 
opinions  ;  but  believed,  that  flncere  upright 
hearted  people,  in  every  fociety,  who  truly 
love  God,  were  accepted  of  him. 

As  I  lived  under  the  crofs,  and  fimply  fol- 
lowed the  openings  of  truth,  my  mind,  from 
day  to  day,  was  more  enlightened  ;  my  for- 
mer acquaintance  were  left  to  judge  of  me  as 
they  would,  for  I  found  it  fafeft  for  me  to 
live  in  private,  and  keep  thefe  things  fealed 
up  in  my  own  breaft.  While  I  filently  pon- 
der on  that  change  wrought  in  me,  I  find  no 
language  equal  to  it,  nor  any  means  to  con- 
vey to  another  a  clear  idea  of  it.  I  looked 
upon  the  works  of  God  in  this  vifible  crea- 
tion, and  an  awfulnefs  covered  me ;  my  heart 
was  tender  and  often  contrite,  and  univerfal 
love  to  my  fellow-creatures  increased  in  me : 
this  will  be  underfloocl  by  fuch  who  have 
trodden  in  the  fame  path.  Some  glances  of 
real  beauty  may  be  feeii  in  their  faces,  who 
dwell  in  true  meeknefs. 

There  is  a  harmony  in  the  found  of  that 
voice  to  which  divine  love  gives  utterance, 
and  fome  appearance  of  right  order  in  their 
temper  and  conduct,  whole  paflions  are  re- 
gulated ;  yet  ail  thefe  do  not  fully  fhew  forth 

that 


io       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

that  inward  life  to  fuch.  who  have  not  felt  it : 
but  this  white  ftone  and  new  name  i.->  ^iowii 
rightly  to  fuch  only  who  have  it. 

Now  though  I  had  been  thus  ftrengthened 
to  bear  the  crofs,  I  {till  found  myfelf  in  great 
danger,  having  many  weakneffes  attending 
me,  and  flrong  temptations  to  wreftle  with  ; 
in  the  "feeling  whereof  I  frequently  withdrew 
into  private  places,  and  often  with  tears  be- 
fought  the  Lord  to  help  me,  whofe  gracious 
ear  was  open  to  my  cry. 

All  this  time  I  lived  with  my  parents,  and 
•wrought  on  the  plantation  ;  and  having  had 
Schooling  pretty  well  for  a  planter,  I  uled  to 
improve  it  in  winter-evenings,  and  other  lei- 
iure  times  ;  and  being  now  in  the  twenty- 
flrft  year  of  my  age,  a  man,  in  much  buii- 
nefs  at  {hop-keeping  and  baking,  afked  me, 
if  I  would  hire  with  him  to  tend  mop  and 
keep  books.  I  acquainted  my  father  with  the 
propofal  ;  and,  after  fome  deliberation,  it 
was  agreed  for  me  to  go. 

At  home  I  had  lived  retired  ;  and  now  hav- 
ing a  profpect  of  being  much  in  the  way  of 
company,  I  felt  frequent  and  fervent  cries  in 
my  heart  to  God,  the  Father  of  mercies,  that 
he  would  preferve  me  from  all  taint  and  cor- 
:t:on ;  that,  in  this  more  public  employ- 
ment, I  might  ftrve  Him,  my  gracious  Re- 
deemer, in  that  humility  and  felf-denial, 
with  which  I  had  been,  in  a  fmall  degree,  ex- 
ercifed  in  a  more  private  life.  The  man,  who 
employed  me,  furnimed  a  {hop  in  Mount- 
Holly,  about  five  miles  from  my  father's 

houfe 


OF     JOHN    WOOLMAN.      ir 

houfe,  and  fix  from  his  own  ;  and  there  I 
lived  alone,  and  tended  his  fhop.  Shortly  af- 
ter my  fettlement  here,  I  was  vifited  by  feve- 
ral  young  people  my  former  acquaintance, 
who  knew  not  but  vanities  would  be  as  agree- 
able to  me  now  as  ever ;  and,  at  thefe  times, 
I  cried  to  the  Lord  in  fecret  for  wifdom  and 
ftrength  ;  for  I  felt  myfelf  encompafled  with 
difficulties,  and  had  frefh  occafion  to  bewail 
the  follies  of  time  pafl,  in  contracting  a  fa- 
miliarity with  libertine  people  :  and  as  I  had 
now  left  my  father's  houfe  outwardly,  I  found 
my  heavenly  Father  to  be  merciful  to  me  be- 
yond what  I  can  exprefs. 

By  day  I  was  much  amongfb  people,  and 
had  many  trials  to  go  through  ;  but  in  the 
evenings,  I  was  moftly  alone,  and  may  with 
thank&lnefs  acknowledge,  that,  in.  thofe 
times,  the  fpirit  of  fupplication  was  often 
poured  upon  me  ;  under  which  I  was  fre- 
quently exercifed,  and  felt  my  ftrength  re- 
newed. 

In  a  few  months  after  I  came  here,  my 
mailer  bought  feveral  Scotchmen  fervants, 
from  on  board  a  veffel,  and  brought  them  to 
Mount-Holly  to  fell ;  one  of  which  was  ta- 
Iceh  fick,  and  died. 

In  the  latter  part  of  his  fkknefo,  he,  being 
delirious,  ufed  to  curfe  and  fwear  mofl  for- 
rowfully  ;  and  the  next  night  after  his  buri- 
al, I  was  left  to  fleep  alone  in  the  fame  cham- 
ber where  he  died :  I  perceived  in  me  a  tirno- 
roufnefs  ;  I  knew,  however,  I  had  not  injured 
the  man,  but  amfled  in  taking  care  of  him 

according 


12       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

according  to  my  capacity  ;  and  was  not  free 
to  aik  any  one,  on  that  occaiion,  to  ileep  with 
me :  nature  was  feeble  ;  but  every  tryal  was 
a  frefli  incitement  to  give  myfelf  up  wholly 
to  the  fervice  of  God,  for  I  found  no  helper 
like  him  in  times  of  trouble. 

After  awhile,  my  former  acquaintance  gave 
over  expecting  me  as  one  of  their  company  ; 
and  I  began  to  be  known  to  fome  whofe  con- 
verfation  was  helpful  to  me  :  and  now,  as  I 
had  experienced  the  love  of  God,  through 
Jefus  Chrift,  to  redeem  me  from  many  pol- 
lutions, and  to  be  a  fuccour  to  me  through 
a  fea  of  conflicts,  with  which  no  perfoii  was 
fully  acquainted  ;  and  as  my  heart  was  often 
enlarged  in  this  heavenly  principle,  I  felt  a 
tender  compailion  for  the  youth,  who  re- 
mained entangled  in  mares  like  thofe  which 
had  entangled  me  from  one  time  to  another : 
this  love  and  tendernefs  increafed  ;  and  my 
mind  was  more  flrongly  engaged  for  the  good 
of  my  fellow-creatures.  I  went  to  meetings 
in  an  awful  frame  of  mind,  and  endeavoured  to 
be  inwardly  acquainted  with  the  language  of 
the  true  Shepherd  ;  and  one  day,  being  under 
a  ftrong  exercife  of  fpirit,  I  flood  up,  and  laid 
fome  words  in  a  meeting ;  but  not  keeping 
clofe  to  the  divine  opening,  I  faid  more  than 
cquired  of  me  ;  and  being  foon  fenfible 
of  my  error,  I  was  afflicted  in  mind  fome 
weeks,  without  any  light  or  comfort,  even 
to  that  degree  that  I  could  not  take  fatisfac- 
tion  in  any  thing  :  I  remembered  God,  and 
\vas  troubled;  aiyj,  in  the  depth  of  my  dif- 

trcfs, 


OF     JOHN    WOOLMAN.     13 

trefs,  he  had  pity  upon  me,  and  fent  the 
Comforter :  I  then  felt  forgivenefs  for  my  of- 
fence, and  my  mind  became  calm  and  quiet, 
being  truly  thankful  to  my  gracious  Re- 
deemer for  his  mercies  ;  and  after  this,  feel- 
ing the  fpring  of  divine  love  opened,  and  a 
concern  to  fpea*k,  I  faid  a  few  words  in  a 
meeting,  in  which  I  found  peace ;  this,  I 
believe,  was  about  fix  weeks  from  the  firft 
time :  and,  as  I  was  thus  humbled  and  dif- 
ciplined  under  the  crofs,  my  underftanding 
became  more  ftrengthened  to  dirtinguiih  the 
pure  fpirit  which  inwardly  moves  upon  the 
heart,  and  taught  me  to  wait  in  filence  fome- 
times  many  weeks  together,  until  I  felt  that 
rife  which  prepares  the  creature  to  ftand  like 
a  trumpet,  through  which  the  Lord  fpeaks 
to  his  flock. 

From  an  inward  purifying,  and  ftedfafl 
abiding  under  it,  fprings  a  lively  operative 
deiire  for  the  good  of  others  :  all  the  faith- 
ful are  not  called  to  the  public  miniflry ;  but 
whoever  are,  are  called  to  miiiifter  of  that 
which  they  have  tafted  and  handled  fpiritu- 
ally.  The  outward  modes  of  wormip  are  va- 
rious ;  but  wherever  any  are  true  miniilers 
of  Jefus  Chrift,  it  is  from  the  operation  of 
his  fpirit  upon  their  hearts,  firil  purifying 
them,  and  thus  giving  them  a  juil  fenie  of 
the  conditions  of  others. 

This  truth  was  early  fixed  in  my  mind  ; 
and  I  was  taught  to  watch  the  pure  opening, 
and  to  take  heed,  left,  while  I  was  {landing 
to  fpeak,  my  own  will  mould  get  uppermoft, 

and 


14      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

and  caufe  me  to  utter  words  from  worldly 
wifdom,  and  depart  from  the  channel  of  the 
true  gofpel  minillry.  In  the  management  of 
my  outward  affairs,  I  may  fay  with  thank- 
fulnefs,  I  found  truth  to  be  my  fupport ;  and 
I  was  refpecled  in  my  matter's  family,  who 
came  to  live  in  Mount-Holly  within  two 
years  after  my  going  there. 

About  the  twenty-third  year  of  my  age,  I 
had  many  frefh  and  heavenly  opening's,  in 
refpect  to  the  care  and  providence  of  the  Al- 
mighty over  his  creatures  in  general,  and 
over  man  as  the  mod  noble  amongft  thofe 
which  are  vifible.  And  being  clearly  con- 
vinced in  my  judgment,  that  to  place  my 
whole  truft  in  God  was  beft  for  me,  I  felt  re- 
newed engagements,  that  in  all  things  I  might 
act  on  an  inward  principle  of  virtue,  and 
purfue  worldly  bufinefs  110  further,  than  as 
truth  opened  my  way  therein. 

About  the  time  called  Chriflmas,  I  obferv- 
cd  many  people  from  the  country,  and  dwell- 
ers in  town,  who,  reforting  to  publick-houfes, 
fpent  their  time  in  drinking  and  vain  fports, 
tending  to  corrupt  one  another ;  on  which 
account  I  was  much  troubled.  At  one  houfe 
in  particular  there  was  much  diforder  ;  and  I 
believed  it  was  a  duty  incumbent  on  me  to  go 
and  fpeak  to  the  mailer  of  that  houie.  J  coii- 
lidered  I  was  young,  and  that  feveral  elderly 
friends  in  town  had  opportunity  to  fee  thefe 
things  ;  but  though  I  would  gladly  have  been 
cxcuied,  yet  I  could  not  feel  my  mind  clear. 

The 


of     JOHN    W  O  O  L  M  A  N.     15 

The  exercife  was  heavy :  and  as  I  was  read- 
ing what  the  Almighty  faid  to  Ezekiel,  re- 
fpecting  his  duty  as  a  watchman,  the  matter 
was  fet  home  more  clearly ;  and  then,  with 
prayers  and  tears,  I  befought  the  Lord  for 
his  affiftance,  who,  in  loving-kindneis,  gave 
me  a  refigned  heart :  then,*  at  a  fuitabie  op- 
portunity, I  went  to  the  publick-houie  ;  and 
feeing  the  man  amongft  much  company,  I 
went  to  him,  and  told  him,  I  wanted  to 
with  him  ;  fb  we  went  afide,  and  there,  in. 
the  fear  and  dread  of  the  Almighty,  I  expreit 
to  him  what  refted  on  my  mind  ;  which  he 
took  kindly,  and  afterward  mewed  more  re- 
gard to  me  than  before.  In  a  few  yce 
ttnvards  he  died,  middle-aged  ;  and  I  of- 
ten thought,  that  had  I  neglected  my  duty 
in  that  cafe,  it  would  have  given  me 
trouble  ;  and  I  was  humbly  thanl-;ful  to  my 
gracious  Father,  who  had  fupported  me  here- 
in. 

My  employer  having  a  negro  woman,  fold 
her,  and  defired  me  to  write  a  bill  of  file, 
the  man  being  waiting  who  bought  her :  the 
thing  was  fudden ;  and  though  the  thoughts 
of  writing  an  inflrument  of  ilavery  for  one 
of  my  fellow-creatures  felt  uneafy,  yet  I  re- 
membered I  was  hired  by  the  year,  that  it 
was  my  mailer  who  directed  me  to  do  it,  and 
that  kjWas  an  elderly  man,  a  member  of  our 
fociety,  who  bought  her ;  fo,  through  -vveak- 
nefs,  I  gave  way,  and  wrote  it ;  but,  at  the 
executing  it,  I  was  fo  afflicted  in  my  : 
that  I  faid,  before  my  mailer  and  the  friend, 

that 


i6       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

that  I  believed  flave-keeping  to  be  a  practice 
inconfiftent  with  the  chriftian  religion  :  this 
in  fome  degree  abated  my  uneafiiiefs ;  yet,  as 
often  as  I  remedied  feriouily  upon  it,  I  thought 
I  mould  have  been  clearer,  if  I  had  defired  to 
be  excufed  from  it,  as  a  thing  againft  my  con- 
fcience ;  for  fuch  it  was.  And  fome  time  after 
this,  a  young  man,  of  our  fociety,  fpoke  to 
me  to  write  a  conveyance  of  a  flave  to  him  ; 
he  having  lately  taken  a  negro  into  his  houfe : 
I  told  him,  I  was  not  eafy  to  write  it ;  for, 
though  many  of  our  meeting  and  in  other 
places  kept  flaves,  I  ftill  believed  the  practice 
was  not  right ;  and  delired  to  be  excufed  from 
the  writing.  I  fpoke  to  him  in  good  will ;  and 
he  told  me,  that  keeping  flaves  was  not  alto- 
gether agreeable  to  his  mind ;  but  that  the  Have 
being  a  gift  made  to  his  wife,  he  had  accept- 
ed of  her. 


CHAP, 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     17 


CHAP.      II. 

SCis  frft  ~"  a  religious,  vifit,  into  Eaft- 

Jer  '•vith  Abraham  Farring- 

fen  —  fJu  -*rchandizing)  and  his 

md  journey  i  with 
7-:>ania,    Mary- 


•nt 

J0u.  '•  ! 

Nirw-i 

land  —  M.U 
Syffs^  to  the  . 
the  Lower  Count  t^. 

MY  efteemed  friend  Abraham 
ton,   being  about  to  m 
friends  on  the  eaftern  fide  of  thib 
^nd  having  no  companion,   he  propv- 
me  to  go  with  him  ;  and  after  a  .confers 
with  fome  elderly  friends,  I  agreed  to  go  :  fo 
we  fet  out  die  fifth  day  of  the  ninth  month, 
in  the  year  1  743  ;  had  an  evening  meeting  at 
a  tavern  in  Bmnf  wic1  :,  a  town  in  which  none 
of  our  fbciety  dwelt  ;    the   room  was  full, 
and  the  people  quiet.  Thence  to  Amboy,  and 
had  an  evening  meeting  in  the  court-houfe  ; 
to  which  came  many  people,  amongft  whom 
were  feveral  members  of  aliembly,  they  be- 
ing in  town  on  the  public  affairs  of  the  pro- 
C  vince, 


iS     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

vince  :  in  both  thefe  -meetings  my  antient 
companion  was  enlarged  to  preach,  in  the 
love  of  the  golpcl.  Thence  we  went  to  Wood- 
bridge,  Raway,  and  Plainneld ;  and  had  fix 
or  feven  meetings  in  places  where  friends 
meetings  are  not  ufually  held,  being 
made  up  chiefly  of  prefby terians,  and  my 
beloved  companion  was  frequently  ftrength- 
eneel  to  publifh  the  word  of  life  amongil 
them  :  as  for  me,  I  was  often  filent  thro' 
the  meetings  ;  and  when  I  fpake,  it  was 
with  much  care,  that  I  might  fpeak  only 
what  truth  opened :  my  mind  was  often  ten- 
der, and  I  learned  ibme  profitable  leflbns. 
We  were  O*K  about  two  weeks. 

Near  this  time,  being  on  fome  outward  bu- 
finefs  i^  which  feveral  families  were  concern- 
ed, a.ud  which  was  attended  with  difficulties, 
_ie  things  relating  thereto  not  being  clearly 
red,  nor  rightly  underftood  by  all,  there 
arofe  Ibme  heat  in  the  minds  of  the  parties, 
and  one  valuable  friend  got  off  his  watch ; 
I  had  a  great  regard  for  him,  and  felt  a  flrong 
inclination,  after  matters  were  fettled,  to  fpeak 
to  him  concerning  his  .Conduct  in  that  cafe ; 
but  I  being  a  youth,  a#d  he  fir  advanced  in 
j  and  experience,  my  way  appeared  diffi- 
t  ;   but  af:cr  fome,  days  deliberation,  and 
'-ing  to  the  Lord  for  ailiilance,    I 
•de  fubjecL;  fo  that  I  expreft  what  lay 
va  me,  in  a  way  which  became  my  youth 
.1  his  years:  and  though  it  vras  a  hard  talk 
to  me,  it  was  well  taken,  and,  I  believe,  was 
ufeful  to  us  both. 

Having 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     19 

Having  now  been  feveral  years  with  my 
employer,  and  he  doing  lefs  at  merchandize 
than  heretofore,  I  was  thoughtful  of  fome 
other  way  of  bufmefs  ;  perceiving  merchan- 
dize to  be  attended  with  much  cumber,  in 
the  way  of  trading  in  thefe  parts. 

My  mind,  through  the  power  of  truth,  was 
'in  a  good  degree  weaned  from  the  defire  of 
outward  greatnefs,  and  I  was  learning  to  be 
content  with  real  conveniences,  that  were 
not  cofbly ;  fo  that  a  way  of  life,  free  from 
much  entanglements,  appeared  beft  for  me, 
tho'  the  income  might  be  final  1.  I  had  feveral 
offers  of  bufinefs  that  appeared  profitable,  but 
did  not  fee  my  way  clear  to  accept  of  them ; 
as  believing  the  bufinefs  propofed  would  be 
attended  with  more  outward  care  and  cumber 
than  was  required  of  me  to  engage  in. 

I  faw  that  a  humble  man,  with  the  bleffing 
of  the  Lord,  might  live  on  a  little:  and  that 
where  the  heart  was  fet  on  greatnefs,  fuccefs 
in  bufinefs  did  not  fatisfy  the  craving ;  but 
that  commonly  with  an  increafe  of  wealth, 
the  defire  of  wealth  increafed.  There  was  a 
care  on  my  mind  fo  to  pafs  my  time,  that 
nothing  might  hinder  me  from  the  moil 
Heady  attention  to  the  voice  of  the  true  Shep- 
herd. 

My  employer,  though  now  a  retailer  of 
goods,  was  by  trade  a  taylor,  and  kept  a 
fervant  man  at  that  bufmefs ;  and  I  began 
to  think  about  learning  fhe  trade,  expecting, 
that  if  I  ihouid  fettle,  I  might,  by  this  trade, 
and  a  little  retailing  of  goods,  get  a  living 
C  2  in 


so     THE   LIFE    AND   TRAVELS 

in  a  plain  way,  without  the  load  of  great 
bulinefs  :  I  mentioned  it  to  my  employer^ 
and  we  foon  agreed  on  terms  ;  and  then, 
when  I  had  leifure  from  the  affairs  of  mer- 
chandize, I  worked  with  his  man.  I  believed 
the  hand  of  Providence  pointed  out  this  bu- 
finefs  for  me ;  and  was  taught  to  be  content 
with  it,  though  I  felt,  at  times,  a  difpofition 
that  would  have  fought  for  fomething  great- 
er :  but,  through  the  revelation  of  Jefus 
Chrift,  I  had  feen  the  happinefs  of  humility, 
and  there  was  an  earneft  defire  in  me  to  en- 
ter deep  into  it ;  and,  at  times,  this  defire 
arofe  to  a  degree  of  fervent  fupplication^ 
wherein  my  foul  was  fo  environed  with  hea- 
venly light  and  confoiation,  that  things  were 
made  eafy  to  me  which  had  been  otherwife. 

After  fome  time,  my  employer's  wife  died  \ 
flie  was  a  virtuous  woman,  and  generally  be- 
loved of  her  neighbours  :  and  foon  after  this^ 
he  left  fhopkeeping ;  and  we  parted.  I  then 
wrought  at  my  trade,  as  a  taylor  ;  Carefully 
attended  meetings  for  worfbip  and  clifcipline  ; 
and  found  an  enlargement  of  gofpel  love  in 
my  mind,  and  therein  a  concern  to  vifit 
friends  in  fome  of  the  back  fettlements  of 
Pennfylvania  and  Virginia  ;  and  being 
thoughtful  about  a  companion,  I  exprefled  it 
to  my  beloved  friend  Ifaac  Andrews,  who 
t.u'ii  told  me  that  he  had  drawings  to  the 
fame  places  ;  and  alfo  to  go  through  Mary- 
land, Virginia,  and  Carolina.  After  confi- 
derable  time  paft,  and  feveral  conferences 
with,  him,  I  felt  eafy  to  accompany  him 

throughout  j 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     21 

throughout,  if  way  opened  for  it.  I  opened 
the  cafe  in  our  monthly  meeting,  and  friends 
expreffing  their  unity  therewith,  we  obtained 
certificates  to  travel  as  companions  ;  his  from 
Haddonfield,  and  mine  from  Burlrigton. 

We  left  our  province  on  the  twelfth  day 
of  the  third  month,  in  the  year  1746,  and 
had  feveral  meetings  in  the  upper  part  of 
Chefter  county,  and  near  Lancaster ;  in  fome 
of  which,  the  love  of  Chrifl  prevailed,  uni- 
ting us  together  in  his  fervice.  Then  we 
croifed  the  river  Sufquehannah,  and  had  fe- 
veral meetings  in  a  new  fettlement,  called 
the  Red-Lands  ;  the  oldefl  of  which,  as  I 
was  informed,  did  not  exceed  ten  years.  It 
is  the  poorer  fort  of  people  that  commonly 
begin  to  improve  remote  deferts  ;  with  a 
fmall  flock  they  have  houfes  to  build,  lands 
to  clear  and  fence,  corn  to  raife,  cloaths  to 
provide,  and  children  to  educate ;  that  friends, 
who  vifit  fuch,  may  well  fympathize  with 
them  in  their  hardihips  in  the  wildernefs  ; 
and  though  the  beft  entertainment  fuch  can 
give,  may  feem  coarfe  to  fome  who  are  ufed 
to  cities,  or  old  fettled  places,  it  becomes  the 
difciples  of  Chrift  to  be  content  with  it.  Oar 
hearts  were  fometimes  enlarged  in  the  love 
of  our  heavenly  Father  amongfl  thefe  people ;. 
and  the  fweet  influence  of  his  fpirit  flip- 
ported  us  through  fome  difficulties :  to  him 
be  the  praife. 

We  pafTed  on  to  Manoquacy,  Fairfax,. 
Hopewell,  and  Shaiiando,  and  had  meet- 
ings j  fome  of  which  were  comfortable  and 

edifying* 


22      THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

edifying.  From  Shanando  we  fet  off  in  the 
afternoon  for  the  old  fettlements  of  friends  in 
Virginia  ;  and  the  lirft  night,  we,  with  our 
pilot,  lodged  in  the  woods,  our  horfes  feed- 
ing near  us;  but  he  being  poorly  provided 
with  a  horfe,  and  we  young  and  having  good 
horfes,  were  free  the  next  day  to  part  with 
him  ;  and  did  fo.  In  two  days  after,  we 
reached  to  our  friend  John  Cheagle's,  in  Vir- 
ginia: fo  we  took  the  meetings  in  our  way 
throvgh  Virginia ;  were,  in  fome  degree, 
baptized  into  a  feeling  fenfe  of  the  condi- 
tions of  the  people  ;  and  our  exercife  in  ge- 
neral was  more  painful  in  thefe  old  fettle- 
,  than  it  had  been  amongft  the  back 
inhabitants  :  but  through  the  goodnefs  of 
our  heavenly  Father,  the  well  of  living-wa- 
ters was,  at  times,  opened  to  our  encou- 
isnt,  and  the  refreshment  of  the  fincere 
:d.  We  went  on  to  Perquimons,  in 
North-Carolina ;  had  feveral  meetings,  which 
were  large  ;  and  found  fome  opennefs  in 
thofe  parts,  and  a  hopeful  appearance  amongft 
the  young  people.  So  we  turned  again  to 
iia,  and  attended  moft  of  the  meetings 
we  had  not  been  at  before,  labouring 
amongft  friends  in  the  love  of  Jefus  Chrift, 
as  ability  was  given :  and  thence  went  to  the 
mountains,  up  James  River,  to  a  new  fettle- 
inent  ;  and  had  feveral  meetings  amongft 
the  people,  fome  of  whom  had  lately  joined 
in  memberfliip  with  our  fociety. 

In  our  journeying  to  and  fro,  we  found 
fome  honeft-hearted  friends,   who  appeared 

to 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     23 

to  be  concerned  for  the  caufe  of  truth  among 
a  backfliding  people. 

From  Virginia,  we  croiTed  over  the  river 
Patowmac,  at  Hoe's  ferry,  and  made  a  gene-, 
ral  viiit  to  the  %neetings  of  friends  on  the 
Weflern  Shore  of  Maryland  ;  and  were  at 
their  quarterly  meeting.  We  had  fome  hard 
labour  amongil  them,  endeavouring  to  dif- 
charge  our  duty  honeftly  as  way  opened,  in 
the  love  of  truth  :  and  thence  taking  fandry 
meetings  in  our  way,  we  palled  homeward  ; 
where,  through  the  favour  of*  Divine  Provi- 
dence, we  reached  the  lixteenth  day  of  the 
fixth  month,  in  the  year  1746  ;  and  I  may 
fay,  that  through  the  afiiftance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  which  mortifies  felfiih  defires,  my 
companion  and  I  travelled  in  harmony,  and 
parted  in  the  nearnefs  of  true  brotherly  love. 

Two  things  were  remarkable  to  me  in  this 
journey  :  firil,  in  regard  to  my  enter 
ment ;  when  I  eat,  drank,  and  lodged  free- 
cofh  with  people,  who  lived  in  eaie  on  the 
hard  labour  of  their  flaves,  I  felt  uneafy  ; 
and  as  my  mind  was  inward  to  the  Lord,  I 
found,  from  place  to  place,  this  -unea 
return  upon  me,  at  times,  thrdugh  the  whole 
vifit.  Where  the  mailers  bore  "a,  good  (hare 
of  the  burthen,  and  lived  frugally,  fb  that 
their  fervants  were  well  provided  for,  and 
their  labour  moderate,  I  felt  jnore  eafy;  hut 
where  they  lived  in  a  collly'  way,  and  laid 
heavy  burthens  on  their  flaves,  my  exercife 
was  often  great,  and  I  frequently  had  con- 
verfation  with  them,  in  private,  concerning 

it. 


*4     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

it.  Secondly :  this  trade  of  importing  flaves 
from  their  native  country  being  much  en- 
couraged amongft  them,  and  the  white  peo- 
ple and  their  children  fo  generally  living 
•without  much  labour,  wal  frequently  the 
iubjecl  of  my  ferious  thoughts  :  and  I  faw  in 
thefe  fouthern  provinces  fo  many  vices  and 
corruptions,  increafed  by  this  trade  and  this 
way  of  life,  that  it  appeared  to  me  as  a 
dark  gloominefs  hanging  over  the  land ;  and 
though  now  many  willingly  run  into  itf>  yet 
in  future  the  confequence  will  be  grievous  to 
poflerity  :  I  exprefs  it  as  it  hath  appeared  to 
me,  not  at  once,  nor  twice,  but  as  a  matter 
fixed  on  my  mind. 

Soon  after  my  return  home,  I  felt  an  in- 
creafing  concern  for  friends  on  our  fea  coafl ; 
and  on  the  eighth  day  of  the  eighth  month, 
in  the  year  1746,  with  the  unity  of  friends, 
and  in  company  with  my  beloved  friend  and 
neighbour  Peter  Andrews,  brother  to  my 
companion  before-mentioned,  we  fet  for- 
ward, and  vifited  meetings  generally  about 
Salem,  Cape  May,  Great  and  Little  Egg- 
Harbour  ;  and  had  meetings  at  Barnagat, 
Mannahockin,  and  Mane-Squan,  and  fo  to  the 
yearly  meeting  at  Shrewfbury.  Through  the 
goodnefs  of  the  Lord  way  was  opened,  and 
the  ftrength  of.  divine  love  was  fometimes 
felt  in  our  afiemblies,  to  the  comfort  and 
help  of  thofe  who  were  rightly  concerned  be- 
fore him.  We  were  out  twenty-two  days, 
and  rode,  by  computation,  three  hundred 
and  forty  miles.  At  Shrewfbury  yearly  meet- 
ing, 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     25 

ing,  we  met  with  our  dear  friends  Michael 
Lightfoot  and  Abraham  Farriiigton,  who  had 
good  fervice  there. 

The  winter  following  died  my  eldeft  fifter, 
Elizabeth  Woolman,  jun.  of  the  fmall-pox, 
aged  thirty-one  years.  She  was,  from  her 
youth,  of  a  thoughtful  difpofition  ;  and  very 
compaffionate  to  her  acquaintance  in  their 
ficknefs  or  diflrefs,  being  ready  to  help  as 
far  as  ihe  could.  She  was  dutiful  to  her 
pareifts  ;  one  .inftance  whereof  follows  : — It 
happened  that  me,  and  two  of  her  filters,  be- 
ing then  near  the  eftate  of  young  women, 
had  an  inclination  one  firfl  day  after  meet- 
ing to  go  on  a  vifit  to  fome  other  young 
women  at  fome  diftance  off;  whofe  compa- 
ny, I  believe,  would  have  done  them  no 
good.  They  exprefl  their  deiire  to  our  pa- 
rents ;  who  were  diiTatisfied  with  the  propo- 
fal,  and  (lopped  them.  The  fame  day,  as 
my  filters  and  I  were  together,  and  they 
talking  about  their  difappointment,  Eliza- 
beth expreft  'her  contentment  under  it ;  fig- 
:  ig,  fhe  believed  it  might  be  for  their 

g 

A  few  years  after  fhe  attained  to  mature- 
age,  through  the  gracious  vifitations  of  God's 
love,  fhe  was  ftrengtheiied  to  live  a  felf-deny- 
ing  exemplary  life,  giving  herfelf  much  to 
reading  and  meditation. 

The  following  letter  may  mew,  in  fome 
degree^  her  difpofition : 

Haddonfieldj 


a6       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

HadJonfield,   i ft  day,  nth  month,   17^5. 

Beloved  brother  John  Woolman, 

In  that  love  which  defkef  /the  welfare  of 
all  men,  I  write  unto  thee  :  I  received  thine, 
dated  fecond  day  of  the  tenth  month  laft, 
with  which  I  was  comforted.  My  fpirit  is 
bowed  with  thankfulnefs  that  I  ihould  be 
remembered,  wLo  am  unworthy  ;  but  the 
Lord  is  full  of  mercy,  and  his  goodnefs  is 
extended  to  the  meaner!  of  his  creation ; 
therefore,  in  his  infinite  love,  he  hath  pi- 
tied and  fpared  and  mewed  mercy,  that  I 
have  not  been  cut  off  nor  quite  loll ;  but,  at 
times,  I  am  refreshed  and  comforted  as  with 
the  glimpfe  of  his  prefence,  which  is  more 
to  the  immortal  part,  than  ail  which  this 
world  can  afford :  fo,  with  »defires  for  thy 
prefervation  with  my  own,  I  remain 

thy  affectionate  fifler, 
Eliz.  Woolman,  jun. 

The  fore  part  of  her  illnefs  me  was  in 
great   fadnefs  '  and   dejection   of    mind,    of 
which  me  told  one  of  her  intimate  friends, 
1  faid,   when  I   was  a  young  girl   I  was 
iton  and  airy,  but  I  thought  I  had  tho- 
roughly repented  for  it ;  and  added,  I  have 
late  had  great  fatisfaction  in  meetings. 
Though  ihe  was  thus  difconfolate,   flill  ihe 
retained  a  hope,  which  was  as  an  anchor  to 
her:   and  fome  time  after,   the  fame  friend 

came 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.    27 

came  again  to  fee  her,  to  whom  fhe  men- 
tioned her  former  exprefllons,  and  faid,  it  is 
otherwife  now,  for  the  Lord  hath  rewarded 
me  feven-fold  $>  and  I  am  unable  to  exprefs 
the  greatnefs  of  his  love  manifefted  to  me. 
Her  diforder  appearing  dangerous,  and  our 
mother  being  fbrrowful,  fhe  took  notice  of 
it,  and  faid,  dear  mother,  weep  not  for  me  ; 
I  go  to  my  God:  and  many  times,  with  an. 
audible  voice,  uttered  praife  to  her  II 
deemer. 

A  friend  coming  fbme  miles  to  fee  her  the 
morning  before  flie  died,  afked  her,  how  flie 
did  ?  fhe  anfwered,  I  have  had  a  hard  nig 
but  mall  not  have  another  luch,  for  I  ihall 
die,  and  it  will  be  well  with  my  foul ;  and 
accordingly  died  the  next  evening. 

The  following  ejaculations  were  found 
amongft  her  writings  ;  wrote,  I  believe,  at 
four  times  : 

I.  Oh!  that  iny  head  were. as  waters,  and 
mine   eyes    as   a  fountain   of   tears,    that   I 
might  weep  day  and  night,  until  acquainted 
with  my  God. 

II.  O  Lord,    that  I   may  enjoy   thy   pre- 
fence  ;  or  elfe  my  time  is  loft,  and  my 

a  fnare  to  my  foul. 

III.  O  Lord,  that  I  may  receive  bread  1 
thy  table,  and  that  thy  grace  may  abound  m 
me. 

IV.  O   Lord,    that  I  may  be   acquai 
with  thy  prefence,   that  I   may  be  leafo 
with  thy  fait,  that  thy  grace  may  abound  in. 
me, 

Of 


2S      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

Of  late  I  found  drawings  in  my  mind  to 
vifit  friends  in  New-England,  and  >  having 
an  opportunity  of  joining  in  company  with 
my  beloved  friend  Peter  Andrews  ;  we,  hav- 
ing obtained  certificates  from  our  monthly  - 
meeting,  let  forward  on  the  fixteenth  day  of 
the  third  month,  in  the  year  1747,  and 
reached  the  yearly  meeting  at  Long-Inarid  ; 
at  which  were  our  friends  Samuel  Notting- 
ham from  England,  John  Qrimth,  Jane 
Hofkins,  and  Elizabeth  Hudfon  from  Penn- 
fylvania,  and  Jacob  Andrews  from  Cheiler- 
neld.  Several  of  whom  were  favoured  in 
their  publick  exercife  ;  and,  through  the 
goodnefs  of  the  Lord,  we  had  fome  edifying 
meetings.  After  this,  my  companion  and  I 
vifited  friends  on  Long-Iiland ;  and,  through 
the  mercies  of  God,  we  were  helped  in  the 
work. 

Befides  going  to  the  fettled  meetings  of 
friends,  we  were  at  a  general  meeting  at  Se- 
tawket,  chiefly  made  up  of  other  ibcieties : 
and  had  a  meeting  at  Oyiler-Bay,  in  a 
dwelling-houfe,  at  which  were  many  people : 
at  the  firfl  of  which  there  was  not  much  laid 
by  way  of  teflimoiiy  ;  but  was,  I  believe,  a 
good  meeting  :  at  the  latter,  through  the, 
Springing  up  of  living-waters,  it  was  a  day 
to  be  thankfully  remembered.  Having  vifited 
the  ifland,  we  went  over  to  the  main,  taking 
meetings  in  our  way,  to  Oblong,  Nine-Part- 
ners and  New-Milford. — In  thefe  back  fettle-* 
ments  we  met  with  feveral  people,  who, 
through  the  immediate  workings  of  the  (pi-> 

rit 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAR     29 

fit  of  Chrifl  on  their  minds,  were  drawn  from 
the  vanities  of  the  world,  to  an  inward  ac- 
quaintance with  him  :  they  were  educated  in 
the  way  of  the  prefbyterians.  A  conliderable 
number  of  the  youth,  members  of  that  fbciety, 
were  ufed  to  fpend  their  time  often  together 
in  merriment,  butfome  of  the  principal  young 
men  of  that  company  being  vifited  by  the 
powerful  workings  of  the  fpirit  of  Chrift,  and 
thereby  led  humbly  to  take  up  his  crofs, 
could  no  longer  join  in  thofe  vanities ;  and 
as  thefe  flood  ftedfaft  to  that  inward  con- 
vincement,  they  were  made  a  bleiling  to  Ibme 
of  their  former  companions  ;  fo  that,  through 
the  power  of  truth,  ieveral  were  brought  into 
a  clofe  exercife  concerning  the  eternal  well- 
being  of  their  fouls.  Thefe  young  people 
continued  for  a  time  to  frequent  their  pub- 
lick  worfhip  j  and  befides  that,  had  meetings 
of  their  own  ;  which  meetings  were  a  while 
allowed  by  their  preacher,  who  fometimes 
met  with  them :  but,  in  time,  their  judg- 
ment in  matters  of  religion  difagreeing  with 
fome  of  the  articles  of  the  prefbyterians, 
their  meetings  were  difapproved  by  that  fo- 
ciety  ;  and  iiich  of  them  who  flood  firm  to 
their  duty,  as  it  was  inwardly  manifefled, 
had  many  difficulties  to  go  through  :  and 
their  meetings  were  in  a  while  dropped  ; 
fome  of  them  returning  to  the  prefbyterians, 
and  others  of  them,  after  a  time,  joined  to 
our  religious  fociety. 

I  had  converfatioii  with  fome  of  the  latter, 
to  my  help  and  edification ;  and  believe  ieve- 
ral 


30       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

ral  of  them  are  acquainted  with  the  nature  of 
that  worfhip,  which  is  performed  in  fpirit 
and  in  truth.  From  hence,  accompanied  by 
Amos  Powel,  a  friend  from  Long-Ifland, 
we  rode  through  Connecticut,  chiefly  inha- 
bited by  prefbyterians  ;  who  were  generally 
civil  to  us,  fo  far  as  I  faw :  and  after  three 
days  riding,  we  came  amongfl  friends  in  the 
colony  of  Rhode-Illand.  We  vifited  friends 
in  and  about  Newport,  and  Dartmouth,  and 
generally  in  thofe  parts  ;  and  then  to  Bofton  ; 
and  proceeded  eaft ward  as  far  as  Dover :  and 
then  returned  to  Newport,  and  not  far  from 
thence,  we  met  our  friend  Thomas  Gaw- 
thrcp  from  England ;  who  was  then  op-  a  vi- 
fit  to  thefe  provinces.  From  Newport  we 
failed  to  Nantucket ;  were  there  near  a  week  ; 
and  from  thence  came  over  to  Dartmouth  ; 
and  having  finished  our  vifit  in  thefe  parts, 
olTed  the  Sound  from  New-London  to 
Long-Ifland  ;  and  taking  fome  meetings  on 
the  illand,  proceeded  homeward  ;  where  we 
reached  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  feventh 
month,  in  the  year  1747,  having  rode  about 
•fifteen  hundred  miles,  and  failed  about  one 
hundred  and  fifty. 

In  this  journey,  I  may  fay  in  general,  we 
were  fomedrnes  in  much  weaknels,  and  la- 
boured under  difcouragements  ;  and  at  other 
times,  through  the  renewed  manifeflations  of 
divine  love,  we  had  feafons  of  refreshment, 
wherein  the  power  of  truth  prevailed. 

We  were  taught,  by  renewed  experience, 
to  labour  for  an  inward  ilillnefs  ;  at  no  time 

to 


OF'    JO.KN    WOOLMAN.     31 

to  feck  for  words,  but  to  live  in  tKe  fpirit  of 
truth,  and  utter  that  to  the  people  which 
truth  opened  in  us.  My  beloved  companion 
and  I  belonged  both  to  one  meeting,  came 
forth  in  the  miniftry  near  the  fame  time,  and 
were  inwardly  united  in  the  work  :  he  was 
about  thirteen  years  older  than  I,  bore  the 
heavieft  burthen,  and  was  an  inftrument  of 
the  greateil  ufe. 

Finding  a  concern  to  vifit  friends  in  the 
Lower  Counties  on  Delaware,  and  on  the 
Eaftern  Shore  of  Maryland,  and  having  a-n. 
opportunity  to  join  with  my  well-bekived 
antient  friend  John  Sykes,  we  obtained  cer- 
tificates, and  let  off  t^e  feventh  day  of  tlie 
eighth  month,  in  the  year  1748,  were  at  the 
meetings  of  friends  in  the  lower  counties, 
attended  the  yearly  meeting  at  Little  Creek, 
and  made  a  vilit  to  chief  of  the  meetings  oil 
the  Eaflern  Shore  ;  and  fo  home  by  the  T,vay 
of  Nottingham:  were  abroad  a^ont  fix  weeks; 
and  rode,  by  computation,  'about  five  hun- 
dred and  fifty  miles. 

Our  exercife,  at  times,  was  hoavy  ;  but, 
through  the  goodnefs  of  the  Lord,  we  were  of^ 
ten  reireihed  :  and  I  may  fa}',  by  experience, 
"  lie  is  a  flrong  hold  in  the  day  of  trouble." 
Though  our  fociety,  in  thefc  parts,  appeared 
to  me  to  be  in  a  declining  condition  ;  yet,  I 
believe,  the  Lord  hath  a  people  amongfl  thcmy 
who  labout  to  ferve  him  uprightly,  but  have 
many  difficulties  to  encounter.  . 

C  H   A   P. 


32      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 


CHAP.      III. 

His  marriage — The  death  of  his  father — His 
journies  into  the  upper  part  of  Ne*w-JerJeyy 
and  aftcrivards  into  Pennfyl'uania — Confede- 
rations on  keeping  Jlaves,  and  his  vifits  to  the 
families  of  friends  at  fever al  times  and  places 
- — 'An  epijlle  from  the  general  meeting-— His 
journey  to  Long- I/land —  Confiderations  on 
trading^  and  on  the  ufe  of  fpirituous  liquors' 
and  cojily  apparel  —  And  his  letter  to  a 
friendt 

ABOUT  this  time  believing  it  good  for 
me  to  fettle,  and  thinking  ferioufly  a- 
bout  a  companion,  my  heart  was  turned  to 
the  Lord  with  defires  that  he  would  give  me 
wifdom  to  proceed  therein  agreeable  to  his 
will ;  and  He  was  pleafed  to  give  me  a  well- 
inclined  damfel,  Sarah  Ellis  ;  to  whom  I  was 
married  the  eighteenth  day  of  the  eighth 
month,  in  the  year  1749. 

In  the  fall  of  the  year  1750  died  my  fa-^ 
ther,  Samuel  Woolman,  with  a  fever,  aged 
about  fixty  years* 

In  his  life-time  he  manifefted  much  care 
for  us  his  children,  that  in  our  youth  we 
might  learn,  to  fear  the  Lord  ;  often  endea- 
vouring to  imprint  in  our  minds  the  true 
principles  of  virtue,  and  particularly  to  che- 
rifh  in  us  a  fpirit  of  tendernefs,  not  only  to- 
wards 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     33 


wards  poor  people,  but  alfb  towards  all 
tures  of  which  we  had  the  command. 

After  my  return  from  Carolina  in  the  year 
1746,  I  made  fome  obfervations  on  keeping 
flaves,  which  fome  time  before  his  deceafe  I  , 
fhewed  him  ;  and  he  perufed  the  manufcript, 
propofed  a  few  alterations,  and  appeared  well 
Satisfied  that  I  found  a  concern  on  that  ac- 
count :  and  in  his  lafl  ficknefs,  as  I  was 
watching  with  him  one  night,  he  being  fo 
far  fpent  that  there  was  no  expectation  of  his 
recovery,  but  had  the  perfect  ufe  of  his  un- 
derftanding,  he  afked  me  concerning  the  ma^ 
mifcript,  whether  I  expected  foon  to  proceed 
to  take  the  advice  of  friends  in  publishing 
it  ?  and,  after  fome  converfation  thereon,  faid, 
I  have  all  along  been  deeply  affected  with  the 
oppreflioii  of  the  poor  negroes  ;  and  now,  at 
lait,  my  concern  for  them  is  as  great  as  ever. 

By  his  direction,  I  had  wrote  his  will  in  a 
time  of  health,  and  that  night  he  defired  me 
to  read  it  to  him,  which  I  did  ;  and  he  faid, 
it  was  agreeable  to  his  mind.  He  then  made 
mention  of  his  end,  which  he  believed  was 
now  near  ;  and  fignified,  that  though  he  was 
fennble  of  many  imperfections  in  the  courfe 
of  his  life,  yet  his  experience  of  the  power 
of  truth,  and  of  the  love  and  goodnefs  of 
God  from  time  to  time,  even  till  now,  was 
fuch,  that  he  had  no  doubt  but  that  in  leav- 
ing: this  life  he  mould  enter  into  one  more 
happy. 

The  next  day  his  fifter  Elizabeth  came  to 

fee  him,  and  told  him  of  the  deceafe  of  their 

D  filter 


34     THE   LIFE    AND   TRAVELS 

iifler  Ann  ;  who  died  a  few  days  before :  he 
then  faid,  I  reckon  fifter  Ann  was  free  to 
leave  this  world  ?  Elizabeth  faid,  ilie  was  : 
he  then  faid,  I  alfo  am  free  to  leave  it ;  and 
being  in  great  weaknefs  of  body  faid,  I  hope 
I  fhall  Ihortly  go  to  reft.  He  continued  in 
a  weighty  frame  of  mind,  and  was  fenfible 
till  near  the  laft. 

On  the  fecond  day  of  the  ninth  month,  in 
the  year  1751,  feeling  drawings  in  my  mind 
to  vifit  friends  at  the  Great  Meadows,  in  the 
upper  part  of  Wefl-Jerfey,  with  the  unity  of 
our  monthly-meeting,  I  went  there ;  and  had 
fome  fearching  laborious  exercife  amongft 
friends  in  thofe  parts,  and  found  inward 
peace  therein. 

In  the  ninth  month  of  the  year  1753,  in 
Company  with  my  well-efteemed  friend  John 
Sykes,  and  with  the  unity  of  friends,  we 
travelled  about  two  weeks,  vifiting  friends 
in  Bucks-County,  We  laboured  in  the  love 
of  the  gofpel,  according  to  the  meafure  re- 
ceived ;  andj  through  the  mercies  of  Him4 
who  is  ftrength  to  the  poor  who  truft  in  him* 
We  found  fatisfadlion  in  our  vifit :  and  in  the 
next  winter,  way  opening  to  vifit  friends  fa- 
milies within  the  compafs  of  our  monthly- 
meeting,  partly  by  the  labours  of  two  friends 
from  Peniifylvaiiia,  I  joined  in  fome  part  of 
the  work ;  having  had  a  defire  fome  time  that 
it  might  go  forward  amongfl  us. 

About  this  time,  a  perfon  at  fome  diftance 
lying  lick,  his  brother  came  to  me  to  write 
his  will :  I  knew  he  had  ilaves  j  and  afking 

his 


n 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     3.5 

his  brother,  was  told  he  intended  to  leave 
them  as  Haves  to  his  children.  As  writing  is 
a  profitable  employ,  and  as  offending  fober 
people  was  difagreeble  to  my  inclination,  I 
was  flraitened  in  my  mind  ;  but  as  I  looked 
to  the  Lord,  he  inclined  my  heart  to  his  tef- 
timony :  and  I  told  the  man,  that  I  believed 
the  practice  of  continuing  flavery  to  this 
people  was  not  right ;  and  had  a  fcruple  in 
my  mind  agaiiift  doing  writings  of  that 
kind  :  that  though  many  in  our  fociety  kept 
them  as  Haves,  flill  I  was  not  eafy  to  be  con- 
cerned in  it ;  and  deiired  to  be  excufed  from 
going  to  write  the  will.  I  fpake  to  him  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord ;  and  he  .made  no  reply 
to  what  I  faid,  but  went  away  :  he  alfo  had 
fome  concerns  in  the  practice ;  and  I  thought 
he  was  difpleafed  with  me.  In  this  cale  I 
had  a  freih  confirmation,  that  acting  con- 
trary to  prefent  outward  intereft,  from  a  mo- 
tive of  divine  love,  and  in  regard  to  truth 
and  righteoufnefs,  and  thereby  incurring  the 
refentments  of  people,  opens  the  way  to  a 
treafure  better  than  iilver,  and  to  a  friend- 
fhip  exceeding  the  friendfhip  of  men. 

The  manuicript  before-mentioned  having 
laid  by  me  feveral  years,  the  publication  of 
it  refted  weightily  upon  me  ;  and  this  year  I 
offered  it  to  the  revifal  of  friends,  who,  hav- 
ing examined  and  made  fome  fmall  altera- 
tions in  it,  directed  a  number  of  cppies  there- 
of to  be  publifhed  and  difperfed  amongd: 
friends. 

D  2  In 


36    THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

In  the  year  1754, 1  found  my  mind  drawn 
to  join  in  a  vifit  to  friends  families  belonging 
to  Chefterneld  monthly-meeting  ;  and  hav- 
ing the  approbation  of  our  own,  I  went  to 
their  monthly-meeting  in  order  to  confer 
with  friends,  and  fee  if  way  opened  for  it : 
I  had  conference  with  fome  of  their  mem- 
bers, the  propofal  having  been  opened  before 
in  their  meeting,  and  one  friend  agreed  to 
join  with  me  as  a  companion  for  a  begin- 
ning ;  but  when  meeting  was  ended,  I  felt 
great  diflrefs  of  mind,  and  doubted  what 
way  to  take,  or  whether  to  go  home  and  wait 
for  greater  clearnefs :  I  kept  my  diftrefs  fe- 
cret  ;  and  going  with  a  friend  to  his  houfe, 
my  defires  were  to  the  great  Shepherd  for  his 
heavenly  inftructioii ;  and  in  the  morning  I 
felt  eafy  to  proceed  on  the  vifit,  being  very 
low  in  my  mind  :  and  as  mine  eye  was  turn- 
ed to  the  Lord,  waiting  in  families  in  deep 
reverence  before  him,  he  was  pleafed  graci- 
oufly  to  afford  help  ;  fo  that  we  had  many 
comfortable  opportunities,  and  it  appeared  as 
a  freih  vifitation  to  fome  young  'people.  I 
fpeiit  feveral  weeks  this  winter  in  the  fervice ; 
part  of  which  time  was  employed  near  home. 
And  again  in  the  following  winter  I  was  fe- 
veral weeks  in  the  fame  fervice  ;  fome  part  of 
the  time  at  Shrewibury,  in  company  with  my 
beloved  friend  John  Sykes  ;  and  have  caufe 
humbly  to  acknowledge,  that  thro'  the  good- 
nefs  of  the  Lord,  our  hearts  were,  at  times, 
enlarged  in  his  love  ;  and  itrength  was  given 

to 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     37 

to  go  through  the  trials  which,  in  the  comic 
of  our  viiit,  attended  us. 

From  a  difagreement  between  the  powers 
of  England  and  France,  it  was  now  a  time 
of  trouble  on  this  Continent  ;  and  an  cpiitle 
to  friends  went  forth  from  our  general  fpring 
meeting,  which  I  thought  good  to  give  a 
place  in  this  journal. 

An  EPISTLE  from  our  general  fpring  meet- 
ing of  miniilers  and  eiders  for  Peniifylva- 
nia  and  New-Jerfey,  held  at  Philadelphia, 
from  the  twenty-ninth  of  the  third  month, 
to  the  firfl  of  the  fourth  month,  inclufive, 

1755- 

To  friends  on  the  continent  of  America. 
Dear  friends, 

TN  an  humble  fenfe  of  divine  goodnefs,  and 
•*•  the  gracious  continuation  of  God's  love  to 
his  people,  we  tenderly  falute  you ;  and  are 
at  this  time  therein  engaged  in  mind,  that  all 
of  us  who  profefs  the  truth,  as  held  forth 
and  publilhed  by  our  worthy  predecefTors  in 
this  latter  age  of  the  world,  may  keep  near 
to  that  life  which  is  the  light  of  men,  and  be 
(Irengthened  to  hold  fail  the  profeflion  of  ou? 
faith  without  wavering,  that  our  truft  may 
not  be  in  man,  but  in  the  Lord,  alone,  why 
ruleth  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and'iii  the 
kingdoms  of  men,  before  whom  the  earth  is 
*'  as  the  dull  of  the  ballance,  and  her  inha- 
"  bitants  as  grasshoppers."  Ifiuxl.  22. 

We 

461428 


38      THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

We  (being  convinced  that  the  gracious  de- 
iign  of  the  Almighty  in  fending  his  Son  in- 
to the  world,  was  to  repair  the  breach  made 
by  diiobedience,  *to  finifh  fin  and  tranfgref- 
fion,  that  his  kingdom  might  come,  and  his 
will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven)  have 
found  it  to  be  our  duty  to  ceafe  from  thofe 
national  contefls  productive  of  mifery  and 
bloodlhed,  and  fubmit  our  caufe  to1  Him 
the  Moil  High,  whofe  tender  love  to  his  chil- 
dren exceeds  the  moft  warm  affections  of  na- 
tural parents,  and  who  hath  promifed  to  his 
feed  throughout  the  earth,  as  to  one  indivi- 
c  I  will  never  leave  thee,  nor  forfake 
"  thee."  Heb.  xiii.  5.  And  as  we,  through 
the  gracious  dealings  of  the  Lord  our  God, 
have  had  experience  of  that  work  which  is 
carried  on,  "  not  by  earthly  might,  nor  by 
"  power,  but  by  my  fpirit,  faith  the  Lord 
"  of  Hofts  :"  Zech.  iv.  6.  By  which  opera- 
tion, that  fpiritual  kingdom  is  fet  up,  which 
is  to  fubdue  and  break  in  pieces  ail  king- 
doms that  oppofe  it,  and  mull  ftand  for  ever. 
In  a  deep  fenfe  thereof,  and  of  the  fafety, 
ftability  and  peace  there  is  in  it,  we  are  de- 
firous  that  all  who  profefs  the  truth,  may 
be  inwardly  acquainted  with  it,  and  thereby 
be  qualified  to  conduct  in  all  parts  of  our 
life  as  becomes  our  peaceable  profeihon  :  And 
we  truft,  as  there  is  a  faithful  continuance 
to  depend  wholly  upon  the  almighty  arm, 
from  one  generation  to  another,  the  peacea- 
ble kingdom  will  gradually  be  extended 
"  from  lea  to  fea,  and  from  the  river  to  the 

"  ends 


OF     JOHN     W  O  O  L  M  A  N.     59 

"  ends  of  the  earth,"  Zech.  ix.  10.  to  the 
completion  of  thofe  prophefies  already  be- 
gun, that  "  nation  mall  not  lift  up  a  fword 
"  againft  nation,  nor  learn-  war  any  more." 
Ifa.  ii.  4.  Micah  iv.  3. 

And,  dearly  beloved  friends,  feeing  we  have 
thefe  promifes,  and  believe  that  God  is  begin- 
ning to  fulfil  them,  let  us  conftantly  endeavour 
to  have  our  minds  fufficiently  difentangled 
from  the  furfeiting  cares  of  this  life,  and  re- 
deemed from  the  love  of  the  world,  that  no 
earthly  pofleflions  nor  enjoyments  may  bias 
our  judgments,  or  turn  us  from  that  refigna- 
tion,  and  entire  trufl  in  God,  to  which  his 
blefling  is  mofh  furely  annexed  ;  then  may 
we  fay,  "  Our  Redeemer  is  mighty,  he  will 
*'  plead  our  caufe  for  us."  Jer.  1.  34.  And  if, 
for  the  further  promoting  his  moft  gracious 
purpofes  in  the  earth,  he  mould  give  us  to  tafte 
of  that  bitter  cup  which  his  faithful  ones 
have  often  partook  of;  O  that  we  may  be 
rightly  prepared  to  receive  it  ! 

And  now,  dear  friends,  with  refpeft  to  the 
commotions  and  ftirrings  of  the  powers  of 
the  earth  at  this  time  near  us,  we  are  deii- 
rous  that  none  of -us  may  be  moved  thereat  ; 

*  But  repofe  ourfelves  in  the   munition  of 

*  that  rock  that  all  thefe  makings  mall  not 
'  move,  even  in  the  knowledge  and  feeling 

*  of  the  eternal  power  of  God,   keeping  us 
'  fubjectly  given  up  to  his  heavenly  will,  and 
'  feel  it  daily  to  mortify  that  which  remains 

*  in  any  of  us  which  is  of  this  world :  for 


40     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

the  worldly  part  in  any,  is  the  changeable 
part,  and  that  is  up  and  down,  full  and 
empty,  joyful  and  forrowful,  as  things  go 
well  or  ill  in  this  world  ;  for  as  the  truth 
is  but  one,  and  many  are  made  partakers 
of  its  fpirit,  fo  the  world  is  but  one,  and 
many  are  made  partakers  of  the  fpirit  of 
it ;  and  fo  many  as  do  partake  of  it,  fo 
many  will  be  ftraitened  and  perplexed  with 
it:  but  they  who  are  fingle  to  the  truth, 
waiting  daily  to  feel  the  life  and  virtue  of 
'  it  in  their  hearts,  thefe  fhall  rejoice  in  the 
*  midfl  of  adverfity,7  and  have  to  experience 
with  the  prophet,  That  "  Although  the  fig- 
"  tree  mall  not  bloffom,  neither  fhall  fruit 
"  be  in  the  vines ;  the  labour  of  the  olive 
«'  mall  fail,  and  the  fields  fhall  yield  no 
"  meat  ;  the  flock  fhall  be  cut  off  from  the 
"  fold,  and  there  fhall  be  no  herd  in  the 
*'  flails  ;  yet  will  they  rejoice  in  the  Lord, 
c<  and  joy  in  the  God  of  their  falvation," 
Hab.  iii.  17,  18. 

If,  contrary  to  this,  we  profefs  the  truth, 
and  not  living  under  the  power  and  influ- 
ence of  it,  are  producing  fruits  difagreeable 
to  the  purity  thereof,  and  trufl  to  the  ftrength 
of  man  to  fupport  ourfelves,  therein  our  con- 
fidence will  be  vain.  For  He,  who  removed 
the  hedge  from  his  vineyard,  and  gave  it  to 
be  trodden  under  foot,  by  reafon  of  the  wild 
grapes  it  produced,  (Ifa.  v.  5.)  remains  un- 
changeable :.  and  if,  for  the  chaftifement  of 
wickedncfs,  and  the  further  promoting  his 

own 


OF     JOHN     WOOLMAN.    41 

own  glory,  he  doth  arife,  even,  to  make  ter- 
ribly the  earth,  who  then  may  oppofe  him, 
and  profper! 

We  remain,  in  the  love  of  the  gofpel, 
your  friends  and  brethren. 

Signed  by  fourteen  friends. 

Scrupling  to  do  writings  relative  to  keep- 
ing Haves,  having  been  a  means  of  fundry 
fmall  trials  to  me,  in  which  I  have  fo  evi- 
dently felt  my  own  will  let  aiide,  that  I  think 
it  good  to  mention  a  few  of  them — Tradef- 
men  and  retailers  of  goods,  who  depend  on 
their  bufinefs  for  a  living,  are  naturally  in- 
clined to  keep  the  good-will  of  their  cuilom- 
ers  ;  nor  is  it  a  pleafant  thing  for  young 
men  to  be  under  any  neceility  to  queflion  the 
judgment  or  honefty  of  elderly  men,  and 
more  especially  of  fuch  who  have  a  fair  re- 
putation. Deep-rooted  cuiloms,  tho'  wrong, 
are  not  eafily  altered ;  but  it  is  the  duty  of 
every  one  to  be  firm  in  that  which  they  cer- 
tainly know  is  right  for  them.  A  charitable 
benevolent  man,  well  acquainted  with  a  ne- 
gro, may,  I  believe,  under  fome  circum- 
flances,  keep  him  in  his  family  as  a  f erv ant, 
on  no  other  motives  than  the  negroe's  good  ; 
but  man,  as  man  knows  not  what  ihall  be  af- 
ter him,  nor  hath  he  any  afmraiice  that  his 
children  will  attain  to  that  perfection  in  wif- 
dom  and  gooclnefs  neceflary  rightly  to  exei>- 
cife  fuch  power:  hence  it  is  clear  to  me,  that 
.1  ought  not  to  be  the  fcribe  where  wills  are 

•  drawn, 


42      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

drawn,  in  which  fome  children  are  made  ab- 
folute  maflers  over  others  during  life. 

About  this  time,  an  antient  man  of  good 
efleem  in  the  neighbourhood,  came  to  my 
houfe  to  get  his  will  wrote ;  he  had  young 
negroes  ;  'and  I  afkecl  him  privately,  how  he 
purpofed  to  difpofe  of  them  ?  he  told  me : 
I  then  faid,  I  cannot  write  thy  will  without 
breaking  my  own  peace  ;  and  refpectfully 
gave  him  my  reafons  for  it :  he  fignified  that 
he  had  a  choice  that  I  mould  have  wrote  it ; 
but  as  I  could  not,  confident  with  my  con- 
fcience,  he  did  not  defire  it :  and  fo  he  got 
it  wrote  by  fome  other  perfon.  And  a  few 
years  after,  there  being  great  alterations  in 
his  family  j  he  came  again  to  get  me  to  write 
his  will :  his  negroes  were  yet  young  ;  and 
his  fon,  to  whom  he  intended  to  give  them, 
was,  fince  he  firfl  fpoke  to  me,  from  a  liber- 
tine, become  a  fober  young  man  ;  and  he 
iuppofed,  that  I  would  have  been  free,  on 
that  account,  to  write  it.  We  had  much 
friendly  talk  on  the  fubjecl:,  and  then  de^ 
ferred  it :  and  a  few  days  after,  he  carne 
again,  and  direcled  their  freedom ;  and  ib  I 
wrote  his  will. 

Near  the  time  the  laft  mentioned  friend 
firfl  fpoke  to  me,  a  neighbour  received  a  bad 
bruife  in  his  body,  and  fent  for  me  to  bleed 
him  ;  which  being  done,  he  defired  me  to 
write  his  will :  I  took  notes ;  and,  amongft 
other  things,  he  told  me  to  which  of  his 
children  he  gave  his  young  negro  :  I  confi- 
dered  the  pain  and  diftrefs  he  was  in,  and 

knew 


OF     JOHN     W  O  O  L  M  A  N.     43 

knew  not  how  it  would  end ;  fo  I  wrote  his 
will,  fave  only  that  part  concerning  his  Have, 
and  carrying  it  to  his  bed-fide,  read  it  to  him; 
and  then  told  him  in  a  friendly  way,  that  I  could 
not  write  any  inflruments  by  which  my  fellow- 
creatures  were  made  flaves,  without  bringing 
trouble  on  my  own  mind :  I  let  him  know  that 
I  charged  nothing  for  what  I  had  done  ;  and 
defired  to  be  excufed  from  doing  the  other 
part  in  the  way  he  propofed  :  we  then  had  a 
ferious  conference  on  the  fubjecl: ;  at  length, 
he  agreeing  to  fet  her  free,  I  fiiiiihed  his  will. 

Having  found  drawings  in  my  mind  to 
vifit  friends  on  Long-Ifland,  after  obtaining 
a  certificate  from  our  monthly-meeting,  I 
fet  ofFon  the  twelfth  day  of  the  fifth  month, 
in  the  year  1756.  When  I  reached  the  iiland, 
I  lodged  the  firft  night  at  the  houfe  of  my 
dear  friend  Richard  Hallet :  the  next  day,  be- 
ing the  firft  of  the  week,  I  was  at  the  meet- 
ing in  Newtown ;  in  which  we  experienced 
the  renewed  manifeflations  of  the  love  of  Je- 
fus  Chrift,  to  the  comfort  of  the  honeft- 
hearted.  I  went  that  night  to  Flushing ; 
and  the  next  day,  in  company  with  my  be- 
loved friend  Matthew  Franklin,  we  crofTed 
the  ferry  at  White-Stone ;  were  at  three  meet- 
ings on  the  main,  and  then  returned  to  the 
ifland;  where  I  fpent  the  remainder  of  the 
week  in  vifiting  meetings.  The  Lord,  I  be- 
lieve, hath  a  people  in  thofe  parts,  who  are 
honeflly  inclined  to  ferve  him  ;  but  many,  I 
fear,  are  too  much  clogged  with  the  things 
of  this  life,  and  do  not  come  forward  bear- 
ing 


44      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

ing  the  crofs  in  fuch  faithfulnefs  as  he  calls 
for. 

My  mind  was  deeply  engaged  in  this  vifit, 
both  in  public  and  private  ;  and,  at  feveral 
places  where  I  was,  on  observing  that  they 
tad  flaves,  I  found  myfelf  under  a  neceflity, 
in  a  friendly  way,  to  labour  with  them  on 
k  that  fubjecl ;  expre  fling,  as  way  opened,  the 
inconfiitency  of  that  practice  with  the  purity 
of  the  chriitian  religion,  and  the  ill  effects  of 
it  manifefted  amongil  us. 

The  latter  end  of  the  week,  their  yearly- 
meeting  began  ;  at  which  were  our  friends 
John  Scarbrough,  Jane  Hofkins,  and  Sufan- 
nah  Brown,  from  Pennfylvania  :  the  publick 
meetings  were  large,  and  meaiurably  favour- 
ed with  divine  goodnefs. 

The  exercife  of  my  mind,  at  this  meeting, 
was  chiefly  on  account  of  thofe  who  were 
considered  as  the  foremoft  rank  in  the  foci- 
ety  :  and  in  a  meeting  of  minifters  and  el- 
ders, way  opened,  that  I  expreiTed  in  fome 
meafure  what  lay  upon  me  ;  and  at  a  time 
when  friends  were  met  for  tranfa cling  the 
affairs  of  the  church,  having  fet  a  while  ii- 
lent,  I  felt  a  weight  on  my  mind,  and  Hood 
up  ;  and,  through  the  gracious  regard  of 
our  heavenly  Father,  ilrength  was  given  fully 
to  clear  invielf  of  a  burthen,  which  for  fbme 
days  had  been  increanng  upon  me. 

Through  the  humbling  difpenfations  of 
Divine  Providence,  men  are  fometimes  fitte^f 
for  his  fervice.  The  meilages  of  the  prophet 
Jeremiah  were  fo  difagreeable  to  the  people, 

and 


or    JOHN    \V  O  O  L  M  A  N.     45 

and  fo  reverfe  to  the  fpirit  they  lived  iiij  that 
he  became  the  object  of  their  reproach  ;  and 
in  the  weakiiefs  of  nature,  thought  of  defift- 
ing  from  his  prophetick  office ;  but,  faith  he, 
"  His  word  was  in  my  heart  as  a  burning 
"  fire  fhut  up  in  my  bones  ;  and  I  was  weary 
"  with  forbearing,  and  could  not  ftay."  I 
faw  at  this  time,  that  if  I  was  honeft  in.  de- 
claring that  which  truth  opened  in  me,  I 
could  not  pleafe  all  men  ;  and  laboured  to 
be  content  in  th"e  way  of  my  duty,  however 
difagreeable  to  my  own  inclination.  After 
this  I  went  homeward,  taking  Woodbridge 
and  Plainfield  in  my  way  ;  in  both  which 
meetings,  the  pure  influence  of  divine  love 
was  manifefted ;  in  an  humbling  fenie  where- 
of I  went  home :  having  been  out  about 
twenty-four  days,  and  rode  about  three 
hundred  and  fixteen  miles. 

While  I  was  out  on  this  journey,  my  heart 
was  much  affected  with  a  fenie  of  the  ilate 
of  the  churches  iir  our  fouthern  provinces  ; 
and  believing  the  Lord  was  calling  me  to 
fome  further  labour  amongft  them,  I  was 
bowed  in  reverence  before  him,  with  fervent 
defires  that  I  might  find  ftrength  to  refigu 
myfelf  up  to  his  heavenly  will. 

Until  this  year,  1756,  I  continued  to  re- 
tail goods,  befides  following  my  trade  as  a 
taylor  ;  about  which  time,  I  grew  uneafy 
on  account  of  my  bufinefs  growing  too  cum- 
berfome.  I  had  began  with  felling  trim- 
mings for  garments,  and  from  thence  pro- 
ceeded to  iell  cloths  and  linens  ;  and,  at 

length, 


46      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

length,  having  got  a  confiderable  fhop  of 
goods,  my  trade  increafed  every  year,  and 
the  road  to  large  bufiiiefs  appeared  open ;  but 
I  felt  a  flop  in  my  mind. 

Through  the  mercies  of  the  Almighty,  I 
had^  in  a  good  degree,  learned  to  be  content 
with  a  plain  way  of  living  :  I  had  but  a 
fmall  family ;  and  on  ferious  confideratioii, 
I  believed  truth  did  not  require  me  to  engage 
in  much  cumbering  affairs :  it  had  been  my 
general  practice  to  buy  and  fell  things  really 
ufeful :  things  that  ferved  chiefly  to  pleafe  the 
vain  mind  in  people,  I  was  not  eafy  to  trade 
in ;  feldom  did  it  ;  and  whenever  I  did,  I 
found  it  weaken  me  as  a  chriftian. 

The  increafe  of  bufinefs  became  my  bur- 
then; for  though  my  natural  inclination  was 
toward  merchandize,  yet  I  believed  truth  re- 
quired me  to  live  more  free  from  outward 
cumbers  :  and  there  was  now  a  flrife  in  my 
mind  between  the  two ;  and  in  this  exercife 
my  prayers  were  put  up  to  the  Lord,  who 
gracioufly  heard  me,  and  gave  me  a  heart  re- 
figned  to  his  holy  will  :  then  I  leffened  my 
outward  bufinefs  ;  and,  as  I  had  opportuni- 
ty, told  my  cuftomers  of  my  intentions,  that 
they  might  confider  what  mop  to  turn  to: 
and,  in  a  while,  wholly  laid  down  merchan- 
dize, following  my  trade  as  a  taylor;  myfelf 
only,  having  110  apprentice.  I  alfo  had  a 
nuricry  of  apple-trees  ;  in  which  I  employed 
fome  of  my  time  in  hoeing,  grafting,  trim- 
ming, and  inoculating.  In  merchandife  it 
is  the  cuftom,  where  I  lived,  to  fell  chiefly 

on 


OF     JOHN    WOOLMAN.     47 

on  credit,  and  poor  people  often  get  in  debt ; 
and  when  payment  is  expected,  not  having 
wherewith  to  pay,  their  creditors  often  fue 
for  it  at  law.  Having  often  obfervcd  occur- 
rences of  this  kind,  I  found  it  good  for  me 
to  advife  poor  people  to  take  fuch  goods  as 
were  moft  ufeful  and  not  coftly. 

In  the  time  of  trading,  I  had  an  opportu- 
nity of  feeing,  that  the  too  liberal  ufe  of  fpi- 
rituous  liquors,  and  the  cuftom  of  wearing 
too  coftly  apparel,  led  fome  people  into  great 
inconveniencies  ;  and  thefe  two  things  appear 
to  be  often  connected  one  with  the  other ;  for 
by  not  attending  to  that  ufe  of  things  which 
is  coniiltent  with  uiiiverfal  righteoufnefs, 
there  is  an  increafe  of  labour  which  extends 
beyond  what  our  heavenly  Father  intends  for 
us  :  and  by  great  labour,  and  often  by  much  • 
fweating,  there  is,  even  among  fuch  who  are 
not  drunkards,  a  craving  of  fome  liquors  to 
revive  the  fpirits  :  that  partly  by  the  luxuri- 
ous drinking  of  fome,  and  partly  by  the 
drinking  of  others,  (led  to  it  through  immo- 
derate labour)  very  great  quantities  of  rum 
are  every  year  expended  in  our  colonies  ;  the 
greater  part  of  which  we  mould  have  no  need 
of,  did  we  fteadily  attend  to  pure  wifdom. 

Where  men  take  pleafure  in  feeling  their 
minds  elevated  with  ftrong  drink,  and  fb  in-* 
dulge  their  appetite  as  -to  diforder  their  un- 
deritandings,  neglect  their  duty  as  members 
in  a  family  or  civil  fociety,  and  caft  off  all 
regard  to  religion,  their  cafe  is  much  to  be 
pitied  j  and  where  fuch  whofe  lives  are  for 

the 


48       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

the  moft  paft  regular,  and  whofe  examples 
have  a  ilroiig  influence  on  the  minds  of 
others,  adhere  to  fome  cuftoms  which  power- 
fully draw  to  the  uie  of  more  ftrong  liquor 
than  pure  wifdom  allows  ;  this  alfo,  as  it 
hinders  the  fpreading  of  the  fpirit  of  meek- 
nefs,  and  ftrengtliens  the  hands  of  the  more 
exceflive  drinkers,  is  a  cafe  to  be  lamented. 

As  every  degree  of  luxury  hath  fome  con- 
nexion with  evil ;  for  thofe  who  profefs  to  be 
difciples  of  Chrift,  and  are  looked  upon  as 
leaders  of  the  people,  to  have  that  mind  in 
them,  which  was  alfo  in  Chrift,  and  fo  ftand 
feparate  from  every  wrong  way,  is  a  means 
of  help  to  the  weaker.  As  I  have  fometimes 
been  much  fpent  in  the  heat,  and  taken  {pi- 
nts to  revive  me,  I  have  found  by  experi- 
ence, that  in  inch  circumftances  the  mind  is 
not  fo  calm,  nor  fo  fitly  difpofed  for  divine 
meditation,  as  when  all  fuch  extremes  are 
avoided ;  and  I  have  felt  an  increafing  care 
to  attend  to  that  holy  Spirit  which  fets  right 
bounds  to  our  clefires  ;  and  leads  thofe  who 
faithfully  follow  it,  to  apply  all  the  gifts  of 
Divine  Providence  to  the  purpofes  for  which 
they  were  intended.  Did  fuch  who  have  the 
care  of  great  eftates,  attend  with  finglenefs 
of  heart  to  this  heavenly  Inftructor,  which 
fo  opens  and  enlarges  the  mind,  that  men 
love  their  neighbours  as  themfelves,  they 
would  have  wifdom  given  them  to  manage, 
without  finding  occafion  to  employ  fome  peo- 
ple in  the  luxuries  of  life,  or  to  make  it  ne- 
ceflary  for  others  to  labour  too  hard  ;  .but  for 

wane 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.    49 

want  of  fleadily  regarding  this  principle  of 
divine  love,  a  felfifh  fpirit  takes  place  in  the 
minds  of  people,  which  is  attended  with 
darknefs  and  manifold  confuiions  in  the 
world. 

Though  trading  in  things  ufeful  is  an  ho- 
neft  employ ;  yet,  through  the  great  number 
of  fuperfluities  which  are  bought  and  fold, 
and  through  the  corruption  of  the  times, 
they  who  apply  to  merchandize  for  a  living, 
have  great  need  to  be  well  experienced  in  that 
precept  which  the  prophet  Jeremiah  laid  down 
for  his  fcribe :  "  Seekeft  thou  great  things 
"  for  thyfelf  ?  feek  them  not." 

In  the  winter,  this  year,  I  was  engaged 
with  friends  in  vifiting  families ;  and,  thro* 
the  goodnefs  of  the  Lord,  we  had  oftentimes 
experience  of  his  heart-tendering  prefence 
amongfl  us. 


A  copy  of  a  letter  wrote  to  a  friend. 

TN  this  thy  late  affliclioii  I  have  found  a 
•*•  deep  fellow-feeling  with  tliee  ;  and  had  a 
fecret  hope  throughout,  that  it  might  pleafe 
the  Father  of  mercies  to  raife  thee  up,  and 
faiiclify  thy  troubles  to  thee  ;  that  thou  be- 
ing more  fully  acquainted  with  that  way 
which  the  world  efteems  fooliih,  may  feel  the 
cloathing  of  divine  fortitude,  and  be  ilrength- 
ened  to  refifl  that  fpirit  which  leads  from  the 
fimplicity  of  the  everlafting  truth. 

E  'We 


5o     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

We  may  fee  ourfelves  crippled  and  halt- 
ing, and  from  a  ftrong  bias  to  things  plea- 
fant  and  eafy,  find  an  impombility  to  advance 
forward ;  but  things  impomble  with  men  are 
poflible  with  God ;  and  OUT  wills  being  made 
fubject  to  his,  all  temptations  are  furmount- 
able. 

Tliis  work  of  fubjecting  the  will,  is  com- 
pared to  the  mineral  in  the  furnace  ;  which, 
thro'  fervent  heat,  is  reduced  from  its  firft 
principle  :  "  He  refines  them  as  filver  is 
*'  refined — He  lliall  fit  as  a  refiner,  and  pu- 
"  rifier  of  filver."  By  thefe  comparifons, 
we  are  inflrudled  in  the  neceflity  of  the  melt- 
ing operation  of  the  hand  of  God  upon  us, 
to  prepare  our  hearts  truly  to  adore  him,  and 
manifefl  that  adoration,  by  inwardly  turn- 
ing away  from  that  fpirit  in  all  its  workings, 
which  is  not  of  him.  To  forward  this  work, 
the  all-wife  God  is  fometimes  pleafed,  thro* 
outward  diflrefs,  to  bring  us  near  the  gates 
of  death ;  that  life  being  painful  and  afflict- 
ing, and  the  profpecl  of  eternity  open  before 
us,  all  earthly  bonds  may  be  loofened,  and 
the  mind  prepared  for  that  deep  and  facred 
inftruclion,  which  otherwife  would  not  be 
received.  If  kind  parents  love  their  children 
and  delight  in  their  happinefs,  then  He,  who 
is  perfect  goodnefs  in  fending  abroad  mortal 
contagions,  doth  afTuredly  direct  their  ufe — 
Are  the  righteous  removed  by  it,  their  change 
is  happy ;  are  the  wicked  taken  away  in  their 
wickednefs,  the  Almighty  is  clear:  Do  we 

pals 


OF     JOHN    \VOOLM  Atf.     51 

pafs  through  with  anguifh  and  great  bitter- 
nefs,  and  yet  recover,  He  intends  that  we 
fhould  be  purged  from  drofs,  and  our  ear 
opened  to  difcipline. 

And  now  on  thy  part,  after  thy  fore  af- 
fliction and  doubts  of  recovery,  thou  art 
again  reilored,  forget  not  Him  who  hath 
helped  thee ;  but  in  humble  gratitude  hold 
faft  his  inftructions,  thereby  to  fhun  thofe 
bye  paths  which  lead  from  the  firm  founda- 
tion. I  am  fenfible  of  that  variety  of  .com- 
pany, to  which  one  in  thy  buiiiiefs  mufl  be 
expofed  :  I  have  painfully  felt  the  force  of 
converfation  proceeding  from  men  deeply 
rooted  in  an  earthly  mind,  and  can  fympa- 
thize  with  others  in  fuch  conflicts,  in  that 
much  weaknefs  flill  attends  me. 

I  find  that  to  be  a  fool  as  to  worldly  wif- 
dom,  and  commit  my  caufe  to  God,  not  fear- 
ing to  offend  men,  who  take  offence  at  the 
fimplicity  of  truth,  is  the  only  way  to  re- 
main unmoved  at  the  fentiments  of  others. 

The  fear  of  man  brings  a  mare  ;  by  halt- 
ing in  our  duty,  and  giving  back  in  the  time 
of  trial,  our  hands  grow  weaker,  our  fpirits 
get  mingled  with  the  people,  our  ears  grovr 
dull  as  to  hearing  the  language  of  the  true 
Shepherd  ;  that  when  we  look  at  the  way  of 
the  righteous,  it  feems  as  though  it  was  not 
for  us  to  follow  them. 

There  is  a  love  clothes  my  mind  while  I 

write,   which  is  fuperior  to  all  exprefiioiis  ; 

and  I  find  my  heart  open  to  encourage  to  a 

holy  emulation,  to  advance  forward  in  chrift- 

E  2  tian 


52    THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

ian  firmnefs.  Deep  humility  is  a  flrong  bul- 
wark ;  and  as  we  enter  into  it,  we  find  fafe- 
ty  and  true  exaltation  :  the  foolifhnefs  of  God 
is  wifer  than  man,  and  the  weaknefs  of  God 
is  ftronger  than  man.  Being  uncloathed  of 
our  own  wifdom,  and  knowing  the  abafe- 
ment  of  the  creature,  therein  we  find  that 
power  to  arife,  which  gives  health  and  vigor 
to  us. 


CHAP.      IV. 

His  ii'i/it  ing  the  families  of  friends  at  Burling* 
ton  —  His  journey  to  Pcnnfylvania,  Mary* 
land,  Virginia,  and  North-Carolina- — Confi-* 
derations  on  the  jlate  of  friends  there  ;  and 
the  exercife  he  rwas  under  in  travelling  among 
t h of e  fo  generally  concerned  in  keeping  Jla*ues : 
•withfome  observations  in  converfation,  .at  fe^ 
•ueral  times,  on  this  fubjeci  —  His  epiftle  ta 
friends  at  New-Garden  and  Cane-Creek  — 
His  thoughts  mi  the  neglect  of  a  religious 
care  in  the  education  of  the  negroes. 

TH  E  thirteenth  day  of  the  fecond  month , 
in  the  year  1757,  being  then  in  good 
health,  and  abroad  with  friends  vifiting  fa- 
milies, I  lodged  at  a  friend's  houfe,  in  Bur- 
lington ;  and  going  to  bed  about  the  time 
with  me,   I  awoke  in.  the  night,  ami 

my 


.,^   t^rityi* 

OF     JOHN'WOOLMAN.     53 

my  meditations,  as  I  lay,  were  on  the  good- 
nefs  and  mercy  of  the  Lord  ;  in  a  fenfe 
whereof  my  heart  was  contrite :  after  this,  I 
went  to  fleep  again  ;  and  fleeping  a  fhort 
time,  I  awoke  ;  it  was  yet  dark,  and  no  ap- 
pearance of  day  nor  moonfhine  ;  and  as  I 
opened  mine  eyes,  I  faw  a  light  in  my  cham- 
ber at  the  apparent  diftance  of  five  feet,  about 
nine  inches  diameter,  of  a  clear  eafy  bright- 
nefs,  and  near  its  center  the  mod  radiant : 
as  I  lay^  flill  without  any  furprize  looking 
upon  it,  words  were  fpoken  to  my  inward 
ear,  which  filled  my  whole  inward  man  ; 
they  were  not  the  effect  of  thought,  nor  any 
conclufion  in  relation  to  the  appearance,  but 
as  the  language  of  the  Holy  One  fpoken  in 
my  mind  ;  the  words  were,  CERTAIN  Evi- 
DKXCE  OF  DIVINE  TRUTH;  and  were  again 
repeated  exactly  in  the  fame  manner ;  where- 
upon the  light  difappeared. 

Feeling  the  exercife  in  relation  to  a 
vifit  to  the  Southern  Provinces  to  increafe 
upon  me,  I  acquainted  our  manthly-rnectinp; 
therewith,  and  obtained  their  certificate :  ex- 
pecting to  go  alone,  one  of  my  brothers,  \v 
lived  in  Philadelphia,  having  fome  bufinch 
in  North-Carolina,  propofed  going  with  me 
part  of  the  way;  but  as  he  had  a  view  o'r* 
ibme  outward  affairs,  to  accept  of  him  as  a 
companion  feemed  fome  difficulty  with  me, 
whereupon  I  had  converfation  with  him  at 
fundry.  times  ;  and,  at  length,  feeling  eafy  in 
my  mind,  I  had  converfation  with  feveral  el- 
derly friends  of  Philadelphia  on  the  fubjcct ; 


54     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

and  he  obtaining  a  certificate  fuitable  to  the 
occafion,  we  fet  off  in  the  fifth  month  of  the 
year  1757  :  and  coming  to  Nottingham  week-- 
day meeting,  lodged  at  John  Churchman's  ; 
and  here  I  met  with  our  friend  Benjamin 
Buinngton,  from  New-England,  who  was  re- 
turning from  a  vifit  to  the  Southern  Pro- 
vinces. Thence  we  croiTed  the  river  Su£- 
quehannah,  and  lodged  at  William  Cox's  in 
Maryland ;  and  foon  after  I  entered  this  pro- 
vince, a  deep  and  painful  exercife  came  upon 
me,  which  I  often  had  fome  feeling  of  fince 
my  mind  was  drawn  toward  thefe  parts,  and 
with  which  I  had  acquainted  my  brother  be^ 
fore  we  agreed  to  join  as  companions. 
YV  As  the  people  in  this  and  the  Southern  Pro- 
vinces live  much  on  the  labour  of  flaves, 
many  of  whom  are  ufed  hardly,  my  con*- 
cern  was,  that  I  might  attend  with  finglenefs 
of  heart  to  the  voice  of  the  true  Shepherd, 
and  be  fo  fupported  as  to  remain  unmoved 
at  the  faces  of  men. 

As  it  is  common  for  friends  on  fuch  a  vi^ 
fit  to  have  entertainment  free  of  coil,  a  dif- 
ficulty arofe  in  my  mind  with  reipecl  to 
faving  my  money  by  kindnefs  received, 
which  to  me  appeared  to  be  the  gain  of  op- 
preflion. 

Receiving  a  gift,  confidered  as  a  gift, 
brings  the  receiver  under  obligations  to  the 
benefactor,  and  has  a  natural  tendency  to 
draw  the/)bliged  into  a  party  with  the  giver. 
To  prevent  difficulties  of  this  kind,  and  to 
preferve  the  minds  of  judges  from  any  bias, 

was 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     55 

\vas  that  divine  prohibition  ;  "  Thou  fhalt 
ct  not  receive  any  gift :  for  a  gift  blindeth 
"  the  wife,  and  perverteth  the  words  of  the 
**  righteous."  Exod.  xxiii.  8.  As  the  difci- 
ples  were  fent  forth  without  any  provifion.  for 
their  journey,  and  our  Lord  faid  the  work- 
man is  worthy  of  his  meat,  their  labour  in 
the  gofpel  was  confidered  as  a  reward  for 
their  entertainment,  and  therefore  not  re- 
ceived as  a  gift ;  yet,  in  regard  to  my  prefent 
journey,  I  could  not  fee  my  way  clear  in  that 
refpect.  The  difference  appeared  thus  :  The 
entertainment  the  difciples  met  with,  was 
from  fuch  whofe  hearts  God  had  opened  to 
receive  them,  from  a  love  to  them,  and  the 
truth  they  publifhe<i:  but  we,  confidered  as 
members  of  the  fame  religious  fociety,  look 
upon  it  as  a  piece  of  civility  to  receive  each 
other  in  fuch  vifits  ;  and  fuch  reception,  at 
times,  is  partly  in  regard  to  reputation,  and 
not  from  an  inward  unity  of  heart  and  fpi- 
rit.  '  Conduct  is  more  convincing  than  lan- 
guage ;  and  where  people,  by  their  actions, 
manifeft  that  the  Have- trade  is  not  fo  difa- 

freeable  to  their  principles  but  that  it  may 
e  encouraged,  there  is  not  a  found  uniting 
with  fome  friends  who  vifit  them. 

The  profpecl  of  fo  weighty  a  work,  and  be- 
h:  •  io  diflinguifhed  from  many  who  I  ef- 
teemed  before  myfelf,  brought  me  very  low  ; 
and  fuch  were  the  conflicts  of  my  foul,  thar 
I  had  a  near  fympathy  with  the  prophet,  in 
the  time  of  hisAveaknefs,  when  he  faid,  "  If 
*'  thorn  deal  thus  with  me,  kill  me,  I  pray 

"  theefc 


56     .THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

**  thee,  if  I  have  found  favour  in  thy  fight  ;** 
Numb.  xi.  15.  but  I  foon  faw  that  this  pro- 
ceeded from  the  want  of  a  full  reiignation  to 
the  divine  will.  Many  were  the  afflictions 
which  attended  me  ;  and  in  great  abafement, 
with  many  tears,  my  cries  were  to  the  Al- 
mighty, for  his  gracious  and  fatherly  amft- 
ance  ;  and  then,  after  a  time  of  deep  trial, 
I  was  favoured  to  underfhmd  the  ftate  men- 
tioned by  the  pfalmift  more  clearly  than  ever 
I  had  before;  to  wit ;  "  My  foul  is  even  as. 
"  a  weaned  child."  Pfalm  cxxxi.  2.  Being 
thus  helped  to  link  down  into  reiignation,  I 
felt  a  deliverance  from  that  tempeft  in  which 
I  had  bvjeji  forely  exercifed,  and  in  calmnefs 
of  mind  went  forward,  tsufting  that  the  Lord 
Jefus  Chrifl,  as  I  faithfully  attended  to  him, 
would  be  a  councellor  to  me  in  all  difficul- 
ties j  and  that  by  his  ftrength  I  mould  be  en- 
abled even  to  leave  money  with  the  members 
of  fociety  where  I  had  entertainment,  when 
I  found  that  omitting  of  it  would  obflrucl 
that  work  to  which  I  believed  he  had  called 
me :  and  as  I  copy  this  after  my  return,  I 
may  here  add,  that  oftentimes  I  did  fo,  under  a 
fenie  of  duty  ;  the  way  in  which  I  did  it  was 
thus  :  when  I  expected  foon  to  leave  a  friend's 
houfe  where  I  had  entertainment,  if  I  be- 
lieved that  I  mould  not  keep  clear  from  the 
gain  of  oppreilion.  without  leaving  money,  I 
fpoke  to  one'  of  the  heads  of  the  family  pri- 
vately, and  defired  them  to  accept  of  them 
pieces  of  filver,  and  give  them  to  fuch  of 
their  negroes  as  they  believed  would  make 

the 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.    57 

the  beft  ufe  of  them  ;  and  at  other  times,  I 
gave  them  to  the  negroes  myfelf, .  as  the  way 
looked  cleareft  to  me :  as  I  expected  this  be^ 
fore  I  came  out,  I  had  provided  a  large  num- 
ber of  fmall  pieces  ;  and  thus  offering  them 
to  fome  who  appeared  to  be  wealthy  people, 
was  a  trial  both  to  me  and  them :  but  the 
fear  of  the  Lord  ib  covered  me  at  times,  that 
iny  way  was  made  eafier  than  I  expected  ; 
and  few,  if  any,  manifefted  any  refentment 
at  the  offer,  and  moft  of  them,  after  fome 
talk,  accepted  of  them. 

The  feventh  day  of  the  fifth  month,  in  the 
year  1757,  lodged  at  a  friend's  houie  ;  and 
the  next  day,  being  the  firfl  of  the  week,  was 
at  Potapfcp  meeting  ;  then  croffed  Patuxent 
river,  and  lodged  at  a  publick-houfe. 

On  the  ninth  breakfafled  at  a  friend's 
houfe  ;  who  afterward,  putting  us  a  little  oil 
our  way,  I  had  converfation  with  him,  in 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  concerning  his  ilaves  ; 
in  which  my  heart  was  tender,  and  I  ufed 
much  plainnefs  of  fpeech  with  him,  which  he 
appeared  to  take  kindly.  We  purfued  our 
journey  without  appointing  meetings,  being 
prefled  in  my  mind  to  be  at  the  yearly-meet- 
ing in  Virginia ;  and  in  my  travelling  on  the 
road,  I  often  felt  a  cry  rife  from  the  center 
of  my  mind,  thus  :  O  Lord,  I  am  a  ftran- 
ger  on  the  earth,  hide  not  thy  face  from  me. 
On  the  eleventh  day  of  the  fifth  month,  we 
croifed  the  rivers  Patowmack  and  Rapahaii- 
nock,  and  lodged  at  Port-Royal :  and  on  the 
way  we  happening  in  company  with  a  colo- 
nel 


5B      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

nel  of  the  militia,  who  appeared  to  be  a 
thoughtful  man  ;  I  took  occafion  to  remark 
on  the  difference  in  general  betwixt  a  people 
ufed  to  labour  moderately  for  their  living, 
training  up  their  children  in  frugality  and 
bufmefs,  and  thofe  who  live  on  the  labour  of 
flaves ;  the  former,  in  my  view,  being  the 
moft  happy  life :  with  which  he  concurred, 
and  mentioned  the  trouble  arifing  from  the 
untoward,  flothful  difpofitioii  of  the  negroes ; 
Adding,  that  one  of  our  labourers  would  do 
as  much  in  a  day  as  two  of  their  flaves.  I 
replied,  that  free  men,  whofe  minds  were 
properly  on  their  bufinefs,  found  a  fatisfac- 
tion  in  improving,  cultivating,  and  providing 
for  their  families  ;  but  negroes,  labouring  to 
fupport  others  who  claim  them  as  their  pro-, 
perty,  and  expecting  nothing  but  flavery 
during  life,  had  not  the  like  inducement  to, 
be  induftrious. 

After  feme  further  converfation,  I  faid, 
that  men  having  power,  too  often  mifap- 
plied  it ;  that  though  we  made  flaves  of  the 
negroes,  and  the  Turks  made  flaves  of  the 
Chriftians,  I  however  believed  that  liberty 
was  the  natural  right  of  all  men  equally  : 
which  he  did  not  deny ;  but  faid,  the  lives 
of  the  negroes  were  fo  wretched  in  their  own 
country,  that  many  of  them  lived  better  here 
•than  there  :  I  only  faid,  there  is  great  odds 
in  regard  to  us,  on  what  principle  we  act ; 
1  and  fo  the  converfation  on  that  fubjecl  ended; 
and  I  may  here  add,  that  another  perfon, 
fame  time  afterward,  mentioned  the  wretch-* 

ednefs 


1 

OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     59 

ednefs  of  the  negroes,  occafioned  by  their 
inteftine  wars,  as  an  argument  in  favour  of 
our  fetching  them  away  for  flaves :  to  which 
I  then  replied,  if  companion  on  the  Africans, 
in  regard  to  their  domeilic  troubles,  were  the 
real  motives  of  our  purchafing  them,  that 
fpirit  of  tendernefs  being  attended  to,  would 
incite  us  to  ufe  them  kindly ;  that  as  ftran- 
gers  brought  out  of  affliction,  their  lives 
might  be  happy  among  us  ;  and  as  they  are 
human  creatures,  whofe  fouls  are  as  precious 
as  ours,  and  who  may  receive  the  fame  help 
and  comfort  from  the  holy  fcriptures  as  we 
do,  we  could  not  omit  fuitable  endeavours  to 
inflruct  them  therein :  but  while  we  rnani- 
fefl  by  our  conduct,  that  our  views  in  pur- 

1  chafing  them  are  to  advance  ourfelves  ;  and 
while  our  buying  captives  taken  in  war,  ani- 
mates thofe  parties  to  pum  on  that  war,  and 

$  increafe  defblation  amongft  them ;  to  fay  they 
live  unhappy  in  Africa,  is  far  from  being 
an  argument  in  our  favour:  and  I  further 
faid,  the  prefent  circumftances  of  thefe  pro- 
vinces to  me  appear  difficult ;  that  the  flaves 
look  like  a  burthenfome  (tone  to  fuch  who 
burthen  themfelves  with  them  ;  and  that  if 
the  white  people  retain  a  refolution  to  prefer 
their  outward  profpects  of  gain  to  all  other 
confederations,  and  do  not  act  confcientiouf- 
ly  toward  them  as  fellow-creatures,  I  believe 
that  burthen  will  grow  heavier  and  heavier, 
till  times  change  in  a  way  difagreeable  to  us : 
at  which  the  perfon  appeared  very  ferious ; 
and  owned,  that  in  conudering  their  condi-*- 

tion, 


60      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

tion,  and  the  manner  of  their  treatment  in 
thefe  provinces,  he  had  fometimes  thought  it 
might  be  juft  in  the  Almighty  fo  to  order  it.  . 
Having  thus  travelled  through  Maryland, 
we  came  amongft  friends  at  Cedar-Creek  in 
Virginia,  on  the  twelfth  day  of  the  fifth 
month  ;  and  the  next  day  rode,  in  company 
with  fever al  friends,  a  day's  journey  to  Camp- 
Creek  :  and  as  I  was  riding  along  in  the 
morning,  my  mind  was  deeply  affecled  in  a 
fenfe  I  had  of  the  want  of  divine  aid  to  fup- 
port  me  in  the  various  difficulties  which  at- 
tended me ;  and  in  an  uncommon  diftrefs  of 
mind,  I  cried  in  fecret  to  the  Moft  High,  O 
Lord  be  merciful,  I  befeech  thee,  to  thy  poor 
afflicted  creature.  After  fome  time,  I  felt  in- 
ward relief ;  and  foon  after,  a  friend  in  com- 
pany began  to  talk  in  fupport  of  the  flave- 
trade,  and  faid,  the  negroes  were  underilood 
to  be  the  offspring  of  Cain,  their  blacknefs 
being  the  mark  God  fet  upon  him  after  he 
murthcred  Abel  his  brother  ;  that  it  was  the 
defigii  of  Providence  they  ihould  be  flaves, 
as  a  condition  proper  to  the  race  of  fo  wick- 
ed a  man  as  Cain  was  :  then  another  fpake 
in  fupport  of  what  had  been  faid.  To  all 
which,  I  replied  in  fubftance  as  follows  : 
That  Noah  and  his  family  were  all  who  fur- 
vived  the  flood,  according  to  fcripture  ;  and 
as  Noah  was  of  Seth's  race,  the  family  of 
Cain  was  wholly  deftrpyed.  One  of  them 
faid,  that  after  the  flood  Ham  went  to  the 
land  of  Nod,  and  took  a  wife ;  that  Nod  was 
£  land  far  diftant,  inhabited  by  Gain's  race, 

and 


V^    v/vf: 

OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     61 

and  that  the  flood  did  not  reach  it ;  and  as 
Ham.  was  fentenced  to  be  a  fervant  of  fer- 
vants  to  his  brethren,  thefe  two  families  be- 
ing thus  joined,  were  undoubtedly  fit  only 
for  flaves.  I  replied,  the  flood  was  a  judg- 
ment upon  the  world  for  their  abominations ; 
and  it  was  granted,  that  Cain's  flock  was  the 
mofl  wicked,  and  therefore  unreafonable  to 
fuppofe  they  were  fpared  :  as  to  Ham's  go- 
ing to  the  land  of  Nod  for  a  wife,  no  time 
being  fixed,  Nod  might  be  inhabited  by 
fome  of  Noah's  family,  before  Ham  married 
a  fecond  time  ;  moreover  the  text  faith, 
"  That  all  flem  died  that  moved  upon  the 
"  earth."  Gen.  vii.  21.  I  further  reminded 
them,  how  the  prophets  repeatedly  declare, 
"  that  the  foil  fhall  not  fuiFer  for  the  iniqui- 
tc  ty  of  the  father  ;  but  every  one  be  an- 
"  fwerable  for  his  own  fins."  I  was  trou- 
bled to  perceive  the  darknefs  of  their  imagi- 
nations ;  and  in  fome  preHure  of  fpirit  faid, 
the  love  of  eafe  and  gain  are  the  motives  in 
general  of  keeping  Haves,  and  men  are  wont 
to  take  hold  of  weak  arguments  to  fupport  a 
caufe  which  is  unreafonable  ;  and  added,  I 
have  no  interefl  on  either  fide,  fave  only  the 
intereil  which  I  defire  to  have  in  the  truth ; 
and  as  I  believe  liberty  is  their  right,  and 
fee  they  are  not  only  deprived  of  it,  but 
treated  in  other  refpecls  with  inhumanity  in 
many  places,  I  believe  He,  who  is  a  refuge 
for  the  opprefled,  will,  in  his  own  time, 
plead  their  caufe  j  and  happy  will  it  be  for 

fuch. 


62      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

flich,  who  walk  in  uprightnefs  before  him  i 
and  thus  our  converfation  ended. 

On  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  fifth  month 
I  was  at  Camp-Creek  monthly-meeting,  and 
then  rode  to  the  mountains  up  James-River, 
and  had  a  meeting  at  a  friend's  houfe  ;  in 
both  which  I  felt  forrow  of  heart,  and  my 
tears  were  poured  out  before  the  Lord,  who 
was  pleafed  to  afford  a  degree  of  flrength  by 
which  way  was  opened  to  clear  my  mind 
amongft  friends  in  thofe  places.  From  thence 
I  went  to  Fork-Creek,  and  fo  to  Cedar-Creek 
again  ;  at  which  place  I  now  had  a  meeting  ; 
here  I  found  a  tender  feed :  and  as  I  was  pre- 
ferved  in  the  miniftry  to  keep  low  with  the 
truth ;  the  fame  truth  in  their  hearts  anfwer- 
ed  it,  that  it  was  a  time  of  mutual  refrefh- 
ment  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord.  I  lodged 
at  James  Standley's,  father  of  William  Stand- 
ley,  one  of  the  young  men  who  fuffered  im-» 
prifonment  at  Winchefter  laft  fummer,  on 
account  of  their  teflimony  againft  fighting ; 
and  I  had  fome  fatisfadlory  converfation  with 
him  concerning  it.  Hence  I  went  to  the 
Swamp-meeting,  and  to  Wayanoke-ineet- 
ing  ;  and  then  croffed  James-River,  and 
lodged  near  Burleigh.  From  the  time  of  my 
entering  Maryland  I  have  been  much  under 
forrow,  which  of  late  fo  increafed  upon  me, 
that  my  mind  was  almoft  overwhelmed ;  and 
I  may  fay  with  the  pfalmift,  "  in  my  dif- 
"  trefs  I  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  cried  to 
"  my  God  ;"  who,  in  infinite  goodnefs, 
looked  upon  my  affliction,  and  in  my  pri- 
vate 


OF     J  O  H  N    W  O  O  L  M  A  N.     63 

vate  retirement  fent  the  Comforter  for  my  re- 
lief; for  which  I  humbly  blefs  his  holy 
name. 

The  fenfe  I  had  of  the  (late  of  the  churches, 
brought  a  weight  of  diflrefs  upon  me :  the 
gold  to  me  appeared  dim,  and  the  fine  gold 
changed ;  and  though  this  is  the  cafe  too  ge- 
nerally, yet  the  fenfe  of  it  in  thefe  parts  hath, 
in  a  particular  manner,  borne  heavy  upon 
me.  It  appeared  to  me,  that  through  the 
prevailing  of  the  fpirit  of  this  world,  the 
minds  of  many  were  brought  to  an  inward 
defolation ;  and  inftead  of  the  fpirit  of  meek- 
iiefs,  gentlenefs,  and  heavenly  wifdom,  which 
are  the  neceffary  companions  of  the  true  fheep 
of  Chrift,  a  fpirit  of  fiercenefs,  and  the  love 
of  dominion,  too  generally  prevailed.  From 
fmall  beginnings  in  errors,  great  buildings, 
by  degrees,  are  raifed  ;  and  from  one  age  to 
another  are  more  and  more  flrengthened  by 
the  general  concurrence  of  the  people  :  and 
as  men  obtain  reputation  by  their  profeflioii 
of  the  truth,  their  virtues  are  mentioned  as 
arguments  in  favour  of  general  error  ;  and 
thofe  of  lefs  note,  to  juftify  themfelves,  fay, 
fuch  and  fuch  good  men  did  the  like.  By 
what  other  fleps  could  the  people  of  Judah 
arife  to  that  heighth  in  wickednefs,  as  to 
give  jufl  ground  for  the  prophet  Ifaiah  to  de- 
clare in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  "  that  none 
"  calleth  for  juftice,  nor  any  pleadeth  for 
"  truth :"  Ifaiah  lix.  4.  or  for  the  Almighty 
to  call  upon  the  great  city  of  Jerufalem,  juft 
before  the  Babylonifh  captivity,  "  If  ye  can 

"  find 


64      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

'  find  a  man,  if  there  be  any  who  executed! 
"  judgment,  that  feeketh  the  truth,  and  I 
"  Will  pardon  it."  Jer.  v.  i .  The  profpedl  of 
a  road  tying  open  to  the  fame  degeneracy,  in 
fbme  parts  of  this  newly  fettled  land  of  Ame- 
rica, in  refpecl:  'to  our  conduct  toward  the 
negroes,  hath  deeply  bowed  my  mind  in  this 
journey;  and  though  to  briefly  relate  how 
thefe  people  are  treated  is  no  agreeable  work ; 
yet,  after  often  reading  over  the  notes  I  made 
as  I  travelled,  I  find  my  mind  engaged  to 
preferve  them.  Many  of  the  white  people  in 
thofe  provinces  take  little  or  no  care  of  negro 
marriages ;  and  when  negroes  marry  after 
their  own  wayj  fome  make  fo  little  account 
of  thofe  marriages,  that  with  views  of  out- 
ward intereft,  they  often  part  men  from  their 
wives  by  felling  them  far  afunder  ;  which  is 
common  when  eftates  are  fold  by  executors 
at  vendue.  Many  whole  labour  is  heavy, 
being  followed,  at  their  bufinefs  in  the  field, 
by  a  man  with  a  whip,  hired  for  that  pur- 
pofe,  have  in  common  little  elfe  allowed  but 
one  peck  of  Indian  corn  and  fome  fait  for 
one  week,  with  a  few  potatoes  ;  the  potatoes 
they  commonly  raife  by  their  labour  on  the 
firfl  day  of  the  week. 

The  correction  enfuing  on  their  difobedi^ 
ence  to  overfeers,  or  flothfulnefs  in  bufincfs, 
is  often  very  fevere,  and  fometimes  defperate. 

Men  and  women  have  many  times  fcarce 
cloaths  enough  to  hide  their  nakednefs,  and 
boys  and  girls,  ten  and  twelve  years  old,  are 
often  quite  naked  amongfl  their  matter's  chil- 
dren: 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     6j 

dren  :  fome  of  our  fociety,  and  fome  of  the 
fociety  called  new -lights,  ufe  fome  endea- 
vours to  inftruct  thofe  they  have  in  reading ; 
but  in  common,  this  is  not  only  neglected^ 
but  difapproved.  Thefe  are  the  people  by 
whofe  labour  the  other  inhabitants  are  in  a 
great  meafure  fupported,  and  many  of  them 
in  the  luxuries  of  life:  thefe  are  the  people 
who  have  made  no  agreement  to  ferve  us, 
and  who  have  not  forfeited  their  liberty  that 
we  know  of :  thefe  are  the  fouls  for  whom 
Chrifl  died  ;  and  for  our  conduct  toward 
them,  we  muft  anfwer  before  Him  who  is 
no  refpecter  of  perfons. 

They  who  know  the  only  true  God,  and 
jefus  Chrifl  whom  he  hath  fent,  and  are  thus 
acquainted  with  the  merciful,  benevolent, 
gofpel  fpirit,  will  therein  perceive  that  the 
indignation  of  God  is  kindled  againft  dppreP- 
fion  and  cruelty ;  and  in  beholding  the  great 
diftrefs  of  fo  numerous  a  people,  will  find 
caufe  for  mourning. 

From  my  lodgings  I  went  to  Burleigh 
meeting,  where  I  felt  my  mind  drawn  into 
a  quiet  reiigned  ilate ;  and  after  long  filence, 
I  felt  an  engagement  to  fland  up  ;  and  thro' 
the  powerful  operation  of  divine  love,  we 
were  favoured  with  an  edifying  meeting. 
The  next  meeting  we  had  was  at  Black-Wa- 
ter ;  and  fo  to  the  yearly-meeting  at  the 
Weftern  Branch :  when  bufinefs  began,  fome 
queries  were  coiifidered,  by  fome  of  their 
members,  to  be  now  produced  ;  and  if  ap- 
proved, to  be  anfwered  hereafter  by  their  re-" 
F  fptfdive 


66     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

fpective  monthly-meetings.  They  were  the 
Pennfylvania  queries,  which  had  been  exa- 
mined by  a  committee  of  Virginia  yearly- 
meeting  appointed  the  laft  year,  who  made 
fome  alterations  in  them  ;  one  of  which  alte- 
rations was  made  in  favour  of  a  cuftom 
which  troubled  me.  The  query  was,  "  Are 
there  any  concerned  in  the  importation  of 
negroes,  or  buying  them  after  imported?" 
which  they  altered  thus :  "  Are  there  any 
concerned  in  the  importation  of  negroes,  or 
buying  them  to  trade  in  ?"  As  one  query  ad- 
mitted with  unanimity  was,  "  Are  any  con- 
cerned in  buying  or  vending  goods  unlaw- 
fully imported,  or  prize  goods  ?*'  I  found 
iny  mind  engaged  to  fay,  that  as  we  pro- 
feffed  the  truth,  and  were  there  afTembled  to 
iiipport  the  teftimony  of  it,  it  was  necefTary 
for  us  to  dwell  deep,  and  act  in  that  wifdom 
which  is  pure ,  or  otherwife  we  could  not 
profper.  I  then  mentioned  their  alteration  ; 
and,  referring  to  the  laft  mentioned  query, 
added,  as  purchaiing  any  merchandize  taken 
by  the  fword,  was  always  allowed  to  be  in- 
coniiftent  with  our  principles  ;  negroes  be- 
ing captives  of  war,  or  taken  by  Health, 
thofe  circumflances  make  it  inconfiitent  with 
our  teftimony  to  buy  them  ;  and  their  being 
our  fellow-creatures,  who  are  fold  as  flaves, 
adds  greatly  to  the  iniquity.  Friends  ap- 
peared attentive  to  what  was  faid  ;  fome  ex- 
preffed  a  care  and  concern  about  their  ne- 
groes ;  none  made  any  objection,  by  way  of 
reply  to  what  I  faid  j  but  the  query  was  ad- 
mitted 


6  F     JOHN    \V  O  O  L  M  A  N.     67 

mitted  as  they  had  altered  it.  As  fome  of  their 
members  have  heretofore  traded  in  negroes, 
as  in  other  merchandize,  this  query,  be- 
ing admitted,  v/ill  be  one  ftep  further  than 
they  have  hitherto  gone :  and  I  did  not  fee 
it  my  duty  to  prefs  for  an  alteration  ;  but  felt 
eafy  to  leave  it  all  to  Him,  who  alone  is  able 
to  turn  the  hearts  of  the  mighty,  and  make 
way  for  the  fpreading  of  truth  oil  the  earth, 
by  means  agreeable  to  his  infinite  wifdom. 
But  in  regard  to  thoie  they  already  had,  I 
felt  my  mind  engaged  to  labour  with  them ; 
and  faid,  that,  as  we  believe  the  fcriptures 
were  given  forth  by  holy  men,  as  they  were 
moved  by  the  Holy  Glioft,  and  many  of  lis 
know  by  experience  that  they  are  often  help- 
ful and  comfortable,  and  believe  ourfelves 
bound  in  duty  to  teach  our  children  to  read 
them,  I  believe,  that  if  we  were  divefted  of 
all  felfifh  views,  the  fame  good  fpirit  that 
gave  them  forth,  woxild  engage  us  to  teach 
the  negroes  to  read,  that  they  might  have  the 
benefit  of  them:  fome  there  were  amongft 
them  who,  at  this  time,  manifefted  a  concern 
in  regard  to  taking  more  care  in  the  educa- 
tion of  their  negroes. 

On  the  twenty-ninth  day  of  the  fifth 
month,  at  the  houfe  where  I  lodged,  was  a 
meeting  of  miniflers  and  elders,  at  the  ninth 
hour  in  the  morning ;  at  which  time  I  found 
an  engagement  to  fpeak  freely  and  plainly  to 
them  concerning  their  flaves  ;  mentioning, 
how  they,  as  the  firfl  rank  in  the  fociety, 
whofe  conduct  in  that  cafe  was  much  noticed 
F  2  by 


68     THE   LIFE    AND   TRAVELS 

by  others,  were  under  die  ftronger  obliga* 
tions  to  look  carefully  to  themfelves  :  expr ef- 
fing how  needful  it  was  for  them,  in  that  ii- 
tuation,  to  be  thoroughly  divefted  of  all  felf- 
ifh  views ;  that  living  in  the  pure  truth,  and 
acting  confcientioufly  toward  thofe  people  in 
their  education  and  otherwife,  they  might  be 
inftrumental  in  helping  forward  a  work  fo 
exceeding  necefTary,  and  fo  much  neglected 
amongft  them.  At  the  twelfth  hour  the  meet- 
ing of  worfhip  began  j  which  was  a  iblid 
meeting. 

On  the  thirtieth  day,  about  the  tenth  hour, 
friends  met  to  finiih  their  bumiefs,  and  then 
the  meeting  for  worfhip  enfued,  which  to  me 
was  a  laborious  time  ;  but,  through  the 
goodneis  of  the  Lord,  truth,  I  believe,  gained 
fome  ground  ;  and  it  was  a  ftrengthening 
opportunity  to  the  honeft-hearted. 

About  this  time  I  wrote  an  epiftle  to  friends 
in  the  back  fettlements  of  North-Carolina,  as 
follows : 


To  friends  at  their  monthly-meeting  at  New- 
Garden  and  Cane-Creek,  in  North-Caroli- 
na. 

Dear  friends^ 

T  T  having  pleafed  the  Lord  to  draw  me 
•*•  forth  on  a  vilit  to  fome  parts  of  Virginia 
and  Carolina,  you  have  often  been  in  my 
mind  j  and  though  my  way  is  not  clear  to 

eoine 


OF    JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     69 

come  in  perfon  to  viiit  you,  yet  I  feel  it  in 
my  heart  to  communicate  a  few  things,  as 
they  arife  in  the  love  of  truth:  Firft,  my 
dear  friends,  dwell  in  humility  ;  and  take 
heed  that  no  views  of  outward  gain  get  too 
deep  hold  of  you,  that  fo  your  eyes  being 
(ingle  to  the  Lord,  you  may  be  preferved  in 
the  way  of  fafety.  Where  people  let  loofe 
their  minds  after  the  lov,e  of  outward  things, 
and  are  more  engaged  in  purfuing  the  pro- 
fits, and  feeking  the  friendihips  of  this 
world,  than  to  be  inwardly  acquainted  with 
the  way  of  true  peace ;  fuch  walk  in  a  vain 
fhadow,  while  the  true  comfort  of  life  is 
wanting :  their  examples  are  often  hurtful  to 
others  ;  and  their  treafures,  thus  collected, 
do  many  times  prove  dangerous  fnares  to 
their  children. 

But  where  people  are  fincerely  devoted  to 
follow  Ghrift,  and  dwell  under  the  influence 
of  his  holy  fpirit,  their  liability  and  nrm- 
nefs,  through  a  divine  bleffing,  is  at  times 
like  dew  on  the  tender  plants  round  about 
them,  and  the  weightincfs  of  their  fpirits  fe- 
cretly  works  on  the  minds  of  others  ;  and 
in  this  condition,  through  the  fpreading  in- 
fluence of  divine  love,  they  feel  a  care  over 
the  flock  ;  and  way  is  opened  for  maintain- 
ing good  order  in  the  fociety  :  and  though 
we  meet  with  oppofition  from  another  fpirit,. 
yet,  as  there  is  a  dwelling  in  meeknefs,  feel- 
ing our  fpirits  fubjedl,  and  moving  only  in 
the  gentle  peaceable  wifdom,  the  inward  re- 
ward of  quietnefs,  will  be  greater  than  all  our 

difficulties.. 


7o    THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

difficulties.  Where  the  pure  life  is  kept  to, 
a  i,  a  meetings  of  difcipline  are  held  in  the 
authority  of  it,  we  find  by  experience  that 
they  are  comfortable,  and  tend  to  the  health 
of  the  body. 

While  I  write,  the  youth  comes  frefli 
in  my  way  : — Dear  young  people,  choofe 
God  for  your  portion;  love  his  truth,  and  be 
not  aihamed  of  it ;  choofe  for  your  company 
fuch  who  ferve  him  in  uprightnefs  :  and 
iliim,  as  moft  dangerous,  the  converfation  of 
thole  whofe  lives  are  of  an  ill  favour  ;  for  by 
frequenting  fuch  company,  foine  hopeful 
young  people  have  come  to  great  lofs,  and 
been  drawn  from  lefs  evils  to  greater  to  their 
utter  ruin.  In  the  bloom  of  youth  110  orna- 
ment is  fo  lovely  as  that  of  virtue,  nor  any 
enjoyments  equal  to  thofe  which  we  partake 
of,  in  fully  refigning  ourfelves  to  the  divine 
will  :  thefe  enjoyments  add  fweetnefs  to  all 
other  comfoits,  and  give  true  fatisfaction  in 
company  and  converfation,  where  people  are 
mutually  acquainted  with  it  ;  and  as  your 
minds  are  thus  feafoned  with  the  truth,  you 
wrill  find  ftrength  to  abide  fledfaft  to  the  tef- 
timony  of  it,  and  be  prepared  for  ferviccs 
in  the  church. 

And  now,  dear  friends  and  brethren,  as 
you  are  improving  a  wildernefs,  and  may  be 
numbered  amongft  the  firfl  planters  in  one 
part  of  a  province,  I  befecch  you,  in  the  love 
of  jefus  Chrift,  to  wifely  confider  the  force 
of  your  examples,  and  think  how  much  your 
fucceflbrs  may  be  thereby  affected :  it  is  a 

help 


•v^j^ 

OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     71 

help  in  a  country  ;  yea,  and  a  great  favour 
and  a  bleflkig,  when  cuftoms  firft  fettled,  are 
agreeable  to  found  wifdom  :  fo  when  they  are 
otherwife,  the  effect  of  them  is  grievous  ;  and 
children  feel  themfelves  encompafTed  with 
difficulties  prepared  for  them  by  their  prede- 
cefTors.  ' 

As  moderate  care  and  exercife,  under  the 
direction  of  true  wifdom,  is  ufeful  both  to 
mind  and  body  ;  fo,  by  this  means  in  gene- 
ral, the  real  wants  of  life  are  eafily  fupplied : 
our  gracious  Father  having  fo  proportioned 
one  to  the  other,  that  keeping  in  the  true 
medium  we  may  pafs  on  quietly.  Where 
ilaves  are  purchafed  to  do  our  labour,  nume- 
rous difficulties  attend  it.  To  rational  crea- 
tures bondage  is  uneafy,  and  frequently  oc- 
cafions  fournefs  and  difcontent  in  them; 
which  affects  the  family,  and  fuch  who  claim 
the  maflery  over  them  :  and  thus  people  and 
their  children  are  many  times  encompafled 
with  vexations,  which  arife  from  their  ap- 
plying to  wrong  methods  to  get  a  living. 

I  have  been  informed  that  there  are  a 
large  number  of  friends  in  your  parts,  who 
have  no  flaves  j  and  in  tender  and  mofl  af- 
fectionate love,"  I  befeech  you  to  keep  clear 
from  purchafing  any.  Look,  my  dear  friends  t 
to  Divine  Providence ;  and  follow  in  fimpli- 
city  that  exercife  of  body,  that  plainnefs  and 
frugality,  which  true  wifdom  leads  to  ;  fo 
may  you  be  preferved  from  thofe  dangers 
which  attend  fuch  who  are  aiming  at  out-  ^ 
ward  eafe  and  greatnefs. 

Treasures, 


72     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

Treafures,  though  fmall,  attained  on  a 
true  principle  of  virtue,  are  fweet  in  the 
poireiiioa ;  and  while  we  walk  in  the  light  of 
the  Lord,  there  is  true  comfort  and  fatisfac- 
tion.  Here,  neither  the  murmurs  of  an  op- 
preiTed  people,  nor  throbbing  uneafy  confci- 
ence,  nor  anxious  thoughts  about  the  events 
pf  things,  hinder  the  enjoyment  of  it. 

When  we  look  toward  the  end  of  life,  and 
think  on  the  diviiion  of  our  fubftance  among 
our  fuccefTors  ;  if  we  know  that  it  was  col- 
lected in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  in  honefty,  in 
equity,  and  in  uprightnefs  of  heart  before 
him,  we  may  confider  it  as  his  gift  to  us  ; 
and  with  a  {ingle  eye  to  his  bleiTing,  beflow 
it  on  thofe  we  leave  behind  us.  Such  is  the 
happinefs  of  the  plain  ways  of  true  virtue. 
"  The  work  of  righteoufnefs  fhall  be  peace ; 
"  and  the  effect  of  righteo.umefs,  quietnefs 
*.'  and  aiTuraiice  for  ever."  Ifa.  xxxii.  1 7. 

Dwell  here,  my  dear  friends  ;  and  then  in 
remote  and  fplitary  defer t§,  you  may  find 
true  peace  and  fatisfa&ion.  if  the  Lord  be 
our  God,  in  truth  and  reality,  there  is  fafe-> 
ty  for  us  ;  for  he  is  a  ftrong  hold  in  the  day 
of  trouble,  and  knoweth  them  that  truft  in 
him. 


Ifle  of  Wight  County,  in  Virginia, 
2 yth  of  the  jth month,  1757. 


From 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     73 

From  the  yearly-meeting  in  Virginia,  I 
went  to  Carolina ;  and  on  the  firft  day  of  the 
fixth  month,  was  at  Wells  monthly-meeting, 
where  the  fpring  of  the  gofpel  miniftry  was 
opened,  and  the  love  of  Jems  Chrift  experi- 
enced amongft  us :  to  his  name  be  the  praife. 

Here  my  brother  joined  with  fome  friends 
from  New-Garden,  who  were  going  home- 
ward ;  and  I  went  next  to  Simons-Creek 
monthly-meeting,  where  I  was  filent  during 
the  meeting  for  worihip  :  and  when  bufineis 
came  on,  my  mind  was  exercifed  concerning 
the  poor  Haves  ;  but  did  not  feel  my  way  clear 
to  fpeak:  in  this  condition  I  was  bowed  in 
fpirit  before  the  Lord  ;  and  with  tears  and 
inward  fupplication  befought  him,  fo  to  open 
my  underftanding,  that  I  might  know  his 
will  concerning  me ;  and,  at  length,  my 
mind  was  fettled  in  iilence  :  near  the  end  of 
their  bulinefs,  a  member  of  their  meeting 
expreft  a  concern,  that  had  fome  time  lain 
upon  him,  on  account  of  friends  fo  much 
neglecting  their  duty  in  the  education  of 
their  flaves ;  and  propofed  having  meetings 
fometimes  appointed  for  them  on  a  week- 
day, to  be  only  attended  by  fome  friends  to 
be  named  in  their  monthly-meetings  :  many 
prefent  appeared  to  unite  with  the  propofal  : 
one  faid,  he  had  often  wondered  that  they, 
being  our  fellow-creatures  and  capable  of  re- 
ligious underftanding,  had  been  fo  exceeding- 
ly neglected :  another  exprefTed  the  like  con- 
cern, and  appeared  zealous,  that  friends,  in 
future,  might  more  clofely  coniider  it  :  at 

length  , 

^x 

*  ^^1^'  .  »Jh 


74       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

length  a  minute  was  made  ;  and  the  further 
conlideration  of  it  referred  to  their  next 
monthly-meeting.  The  friend  who  made  this 
propofal  hath  negroes  :  he  told  me,  that  he 
was  at  New-Garden;  about  two  hundred  and 
fifty.miles  from  home,  and  came  back  alone ; 
and  that  in  this  folitary  journey,  this  exer- 
cife,  in  regard  to  the  education  of  their  ne- 
groes, was,  from  time  to  time,  renewed  in 
his  mind.  A  friend  of  fome  note  in  Virgi- 
nia, who  hath  flaves,  told  me,  that  he  being 
fifr  from  home  on  a  lonefome  journey,  had 
many  ferious  thoughts  about  them  ;  and  that 
his  mind  was  fo  impreft  therewith,  that  he 
believed  that  he  faw  a  time  coming,  when 
Divine  Providence  would  alter  the  circum- 
ilance  of  thefe  people,  vefpecling  their  conr 
dition  as  flaves. 

From  hence  I  went  to  Newbegun-Creek, 
and  fat  a  confiderable  time  in  much  weak- 
nefs  ;  then  I  felt  truth  open  the  way  to  ipeak 
a  little  in  much  plainnefs  and  fimplici- 
ty,  till,  at  length,  through  the  increafe  of 
divine  love  amongft  us,  we  had  a  feafoning 
opportunity.  From  thence  to  the  head  of 
Little-River  on  a  firft-day,  where  was  a 
crouded  meeting ;  and,  I  believe,  was,  thro' 
divine  goodnefs,  made  profitable  to  fome. 
Thence  to  the  Old-Neck  ;  where  I  was  led 
into  a  careful  fearching  out  the  fecret  work- 
ings of  the  my  fiery  of  iniquity,  which,  un- 
der a  cover  of  religion,  exalts  itfelf  againfl 
that  pure  fpirit,  which  leads  in  the  way  of 
meeknefs  and  felf-denial.  From  thence  to 

Pincy- 


OF     JOHN    W  O  O  L  M  A  N.     7  > 

Pineywoods  :  this  was  the  laft  meeting  I  was 
at  in  Carolina,  and  was  large  ;  and  my  heart 
being  deeply  engaged,  I  was  drawn  forth  in- 
to a  fervent  labour  amongft  them. 

When  I  was  at  Newbegun-Creek,  a  friend 
was  there  who  laboured  for  his  living,  hav- 
ing no  negroes,  and  had  been  a  -minifter 
many  years :  he  came  to  me  the  next  day  ; 
and  as  we  rode  together,  he  iigmfied  that  he 
wanted  to  talk  with  me  concerning  a  difficul- 
ty he  had  been  under,  and  related  it  near  as 
follows  :  to  wit,  That  as  monies  had  of  late 
years  been  raifed  by  a  tax  to  carry  on  the 
wars,  he  had  a  fcruple  in  his  mind  in  regard 
to  paying  it,  and  chofe  rather  to  fuffer  diftraint 
of  his  goods  than  pay  it ;  and  as  he  was  the  only 
perfon  who  refufed  it  in  thofe  parts,  and  knew 
not  that  any  one  elfe  was  in  the  like  circum- 
ftances,  and  fignified  that  it  had  been  a  heavy 
trial  to  him  ;  and  more  fo,  for  that  fome  of  his 
brethren  had  been  uneafy  with  his  conduct  in 
that  cafe  :  and  added,  that  from  a  fympathy 
he  felt  with  me  yefterday  in  meeting,  he 
found  the  freedom  thus  to  open  the  matter,  in 
the  way  of  querying  concerning  friends  in  our 
parts  :  whereupon  I  told  him  the  (late  of 
friends  amongft  us,  as  well  as  I  was  able ;  and 
alfo,  that  I  had,  for  fome  time,  been  under 
the  like  fcruple.  I  believed  him  to  be  one  who 
was  concerned  -to  walk  uprightly  before  the 
Lord  ;  and  efteemed  it  my  duty  to  preferve 
this  note  concerning  him  Samuel  Newby. 

From  hence  I  went  back  into  Virginia,  and 
had  a  meeting  near  James  Cowpland's  ;  it 

was 


76      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

was  a  time  of  inward  fuflering ;  but,  thro* 
the  goodnefs  of  the  Lord,  I  was  made  con- 
tent :  then  to  another  meeting  ;  where,  thro* 
the  renewings  of  pure  love,  we  had  a  very 
comfortable  feafon. 

Travelling  up  and  down  of  late,  I  have 
had  renewed  evidences,  that  to  be  faithful  to 
the  Lord,  and  content  with  his  will  concern- 
ing me,  is  a  moil  necelTary  and  ufeful  lelTon 
for  me  to  be  learning ;  looking  lefs  at  the  ef- 
fects of  my  labour,  than  at  the  pure  motion 
and  reality  of  the  concern,  as  it  arifes  from 
heavenly  love.  In  the  Lord  Jehovah  is  ever- 
lafting  ftrength ;  and  as  the  mind,  by  a  hum- 
ble resignation,  is  united  to  him  ,  and  we 
utter  words  from  an  inward  knowledge  that 
they  arife  from  the  heavenly  fpring,  though 
our  way  may  be  difficult,  and  require  dole 
attention  to  keep  in  it ;  and  though  the  man- 
lier in  which  we  may  be  led  may  tend  to  our 
pwn  abafement ;  yet,  if  we  continue  in  pa- 
tience and  meeknefs,  heavenly  peace  is  the  re- 
ward of  our  labours. 

From  thence  I  went  to  Curies-meeting  ; 
which,  though  fmall,  was  reviving  to  the 
honeft-hearted,  ,  Jrhence  to  Black-Creek  and 
Caroline  meetings  ;  from  whence,  accompa- 
nied by  William  Standley  before-mentioned, 
we  rode  to  Goofe-Creek,  being  much  thro* 
the  woods,  and  about  one  hundred  miles.— 
We  lodged,  the  firll  night,  at  a  publick- 
houfe  ;  the  fecond,  in  the  woods  ;  and  the 
next  day,  we  reached  a  friend's  houfe,  at 
Goofe-Creek.  In  the  woods  we  lay  under 

fornc 


OF    JOHN    WOOL MAR     77 

fome  difadvantage,  having  no  fireworks  nor 
bells  for  our  horfes  ;  but  we  flopped  a  little 
before  night,  and  let  them  feed  on  the  wild 
grafs  which  Was  plenty ;  in  the  mean  time 
Cutting  with  our  knives  a  ftore  againft  night, 
and  then  tied  them  ;  and  gathering  fome  bufh- 
cs  under  an  oak,  we  lay  down  ;  but  the  muf- 
quetoes  being  plenty  and  the  ground  damp, 
I  flept  but  little  :  thus  lying  in  the  wilder- 
nefs,  and  looking  at  the  fiars,  I  was  led  to 
contemplate  on  the  condition  of  our  firft 
parents,  when  they  were  fent  forth  from  the 
garden  ;  but  the  Almighty,  though  they  had 
been  difobedient,  continued  to  be  a  father  to 
them  ;  and  (hewed  them  what  tended  to  their 
felicity  -as  intelligent  creatures,  and  was  ac- 
ceptable to  him.  To  provide  things  relative 
to  our  outward  living,  in  the  way  of  true 
wifdom  is  good  ;  and  the  gift  of  improving 
in  things  ufeful,  is  a  good  gift,  and  comes 
from  the  Father  of  lights.  Many  have  had 
this  gift ;  and,  from  age  to  age,  there  have 
been  improvements  of  this  kind  made  in  the 
world  :  but  fome  not  keeping  to  the  pure 
gift,  have,  in  the  creature^  cunning  and  felf- 
exaltation,  fought  out  wlny  inventions  ; 
which  inventions  of  men,  as  diftincl:  from 
that  uprightnefs  in  which  man  was  created, 
as  the  firft  niotion  to  them  was  evil,  fo  the 
effects  have  been  and  are  evil.  That,  at  this 
day,  it  is  as  neceffary  for  us  conftantly  to 
attend  on  the  heavenly  gift,  to  be  qualified- 
to  ufe  rightly  the  good  things  in  this  life 
amidfl  great  improvements,  as  it  was  for  our* 

firft 


78      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

fir  ft  parents,  when  they  were  without  any 
improvements,  without  any  friend  or  father; 
but  God  only. 

I  was  at  a  meeting  at  Goofe-Creek ;  and 
next  at  a  monthly-meeting  at  Fairfax ;  where, 
through  the  gracious  dealing  of  the  Almighty 
with  us,  his  power  prevailed  over  many 
hearts.  Thence  to  Manoquacy  and  Pipe- 
Creek,  in  Maryland  ;  at  both  which  places  I 
had  caufe  humbly  to  adore  Him,  who  flip- 
ported  me  through  many  exercifes,  and  by 
whofe  help  I  was  enabled  to  reach  the  true 
witnefs  in  the  hearts  of  others:  there  were 
fome  hopeful  young  people  in  thofe  parts. 
Thence  I  had  meetings  at  John  Everit's  in 
Monalen,  and  at  Huntingdon  ;  and  I  was 
made  humbly  thankful  to  the  Lord,  who 
opened  my  heart  amongfl  the  people  in  thefe 
new  fettlements,  fo  that  it  was  a  time  of  en- 
couragement to  the  honeft-minded. 

At  Monalen,  a  friend  gave  me  fome  ac- 
count of  a  religious  fociety,  among  the  Dutch, 
called  mennonifts  ;  and,  amongft  other  things, 
related  a  paflage  in  fubftance  as  follows : — 
One  of  the  mennonifts  having  acquaintance 
with  a  man  of  another  fociety  at  a  confider- 
able  diftance,  and  being  with  his  waggon  on 
bufinefs  near  the  houfe  of  his  laid  acquain- 
tance, and  night  coming  on,  he  had  thoughts 
of  putting  up  with  him  ;  but  palling  by  his 
fields,  and  obferving  the  cliftrefTed  appear- 
ance of  his  flaves,  he  kindled  a  fire  in  the 
woods  hard  by,  and  lay  there  that  night: 
his  faid  acquaintance  hearing  where  he  lodg- 
ed, 


OF     JOHN     W  O  O  L  M  A  N.    79. 

ed,  ind,  afterward  meeting  theme  nnonift, 
told  him  of  it  ;  adding,  he  ihould  have  been 
heartily  welcome  at  his  houfe ;  and  from  their 
acquaintance  in  former  time,  wondered  at 
his  conduct  in  that  cafe :  the  mennonift  re- 
plied, ever  fince  I  lodged  by  thy  field,  I  have 
wanted  an  opportunity  to  fpeak  with  thee  : 
the  matter  was  ;  I  intended  to  have  come  to 
thy  houfe  for  entertainment,  but  feeing  thy 
ilaves  at  their  work,  and  obferving  the  man- 
ner of  their  drefs,  I  had  no  liking  to  come 
to  partake  with  thee :  then  admonifhed  him 
to  ufe  them  with  more  humanity ;  and  added, 
as  I  lay  by  the  fire  that  night,  I  thought 
that  as  I  was  a  man  of  fubflance,  thou  would 
have  received  me  freely  ;  but  if  I  had  been 
as  poor  as  one  of  thy  ilaves,  and  had  no 
power  to  help  myfelf,  I  fhould  have  received 
from  thy  hand  no  kinder  ufage  than  they. 

Hence  I  was  at  three, meetings  in  my  way: 
and  fo  I  went  home,  under  a  humbling  feiife 
of  the  gracious  dealings  of  the  Lord  with 
me,  in  preferring  me  through  many  trials 
and  afflictions  in  my  journey.  I  was  out 
\  about  two  months,  and  travelled  about  ele- 
ven hundred  and  fifty  miles. 

l^xf 


Is- 

CHAP. 


8o      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 


CHAP.     V. 

Confederations  on  the  payment  of  a  tax,  laid  for 
carrying  on  the  ivar  againji  the  Indians  — 
Some  notes  on  Thomas  a  Kempis  and  John 
Hufs— Meetings  of  the  committee  of  the  year-* 
ly-meeting  at  Philadelphia — The  prefect  cir- 
cumjlancts  of  friends  in  Pennfylvania  aridNeiv- 
Jerfey,  'very  different  from  thofe  of  our  pre- 
decejjbrs — The  draughting  of  the  militia  iii 
Neiv^Jerfey  toferve  in  the  army  ;  ivithfomc 
obfervations  on  the  Jlate  of  the  members  of 
our  fociety  at  that  time — His  vtfit  to  friends 
in  Pennfylvania,  accompanied  by  Benjamin 
Jones — Proceedings  at  the  monthly,  quarterly 
and  yearly  meetings,  in  Philadelphia^  refpecl- 
ing  thofe  ivho  keepjlaves. 

AF  E  \V  years  pad,  money  being  made' 
current  in  our  province  for  carrying  ort 
\vars,  and  to  be  called  in  again  by  taxes  laid 
on  the  inhabitants,  my  mind  was  often  af-* 
fecled  with  the  thoughts  of  paying  fuch 
taxes  ;  and  I  believe  it  right  for  me  to  pre- 
ferve  a  memorandum  concerning  it :  I  was 
told,  that  friends  in  England  frequently  paid 
taxes,  when  the  money  was  applied  to  fuch 
purpofes  :  I  had  converfation  with  feveral 
noted  friends  on  the  fubject,  who  all  favour- 
ed the  payment  of  fuch  taxes ;  fome  of  whom 
I  preferred  before  myfelf,  and  this  made  me 
eafier  for  a  time ;  yet  there  was  in  the  deeps 

of 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     81 

of  my  mind,  a  .fcruple  which  I  never  could 
get  over  ;  and,  at  certain  times,  I  was  great- 
ly diitrejGTed  on  that  account. 

I  all  along  believed  that  there  were  fbme 
upright-hearted  "men,  who  paid  flich  taxes ; 
but  could  not  fee  that  their  example  was  a 
fufBcierit  reafbn  for  me  to  do  fo,  while  I  be- 
lieved that  the  f pint  of  truth  required  of  me, 
as  an  individual,  to  fufFer  patiently  the  diftrefs 
of  goods,  rather  than  pay  actively. 

I  have  been  informed  that  Thomas  a  Kem- 
pis  lived  and  died  in  the  profeilion  of  the 
Roman  catholic  religion :  and  in  reading  his 
writings,  I  have  believed  him  to  be  a  man  of 
a  true  chrifdan  fpirit ;  as  fully  fo,  as  many 
who  died  martyrs  becaufe  they  could  not  join 
with  fome  fuperftitions  in  that  church. 

All  true  chriflians  are  of  the  fame  fpirit, 
but  their  gifts  are  diverfe  ;  Jems  Chrift  ap- 
pointing to  each  one  their  peculiar  office, 
agreeable  to  his  infinite  wifdom. 

John  Hufs  contended  againft  the  errors 
crept  into  the  church,  in  oj^pofition  to  the 
council  of  Conftaiice  ;  whidl  the  hiflorian 
reports  to  have  confided  of  fome  thoufand  per- 
fons.  He  modeftly  vindicated  the  caufe  which 
he  believed  was  right ;  and  though  his  lan- 
guage and  conduct  toward  his  judges  appear 
to  have  been  refpectful,  yet  he  never  could 
be  moved  from  the  principles  fettled  in  his 
mind.  To  ufe  his  own  words  :  "  This  I  moft 
humbly  require  and  delire  of  you  all,  even 
for  His  fake  who  is  the  God  of  us  all,  that 
I  be  not  compelled  to  the  thing  which  my 
G  confcience 


82     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

confcience  doth  repugn  or  drive  againft." 
And  again,  in  his  anfwer  to  the  emperor  : 
"  I  refufe  nothing,  moft  noble  emperor, 
whatfoever  the  council  ihall  decree  or  deter- 
mine upon  me,  only  this  one  thing  I  except, 
that  I  do  not  offend  God  and  my  conicience." 
Fox's  Acts  and  Monuments,  page  233.  At 
length,  rather  than  ad!  contrary  to  that  which 
he  believed  the  Lord  required  of  him,  he 
chofe  to  fuffer  death  by  fire.  Thomas  a 
Kempis,  without  difputing  againft  the  arti- 
cles then  generally  agreed  to,  appears  to  have 
laboured,  by  a  pious  example  as  well  as  by 
preaching  and  writing,  to  promote  virtue  and 
die  inward  fpiritual  religion  :  And  I  believe 
they  were  both  fmcere-hearted  followers  of 
Chrift. 

True  charity  is  an  excellent  virtue :  and 
fincerely  to  labour  for  their  good,  whofe  be- 
lief, in  all  points,  doth  not  agree  with  ours, 
is  a  happy  itate.  To  refufe  the  active  pay- 
ment of  a  tax  which  our  fociety  generally 
paid,  was  exceeding  difagreeable  ;  but  to  do 
a  thing  contrary  to  my  confcieiice,  appeared 
yet  more  dreadful.  When  this  exercife  came 
upon  me,  I  knew  of  none  under  the  like  dif- 
ficulty ;  and,  in  my  diftrefs,  I  befought  the 
Lord  to  enable  me  to  give  up  all,  that  fo  I 
might  follow  him  wherefoevcr  he  \vas  pleafed 
to  lead  me :  and  under  this  exerciie,  I  went 
to  our  yearly-meeting  at  Philadelphia,  in  the 
year  1755  ;  at  which  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed of  fome  from  each  quarter,  to  cor- 
refpond  with  the  meeting  for  fufferings  in 

London; 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     83 

London,  and  another  to  vifit  our  monthly 
and  quarterly-meetings  ;  and  after  their  ap- 
pointment, before  the  laft  adjournment  of 
the  meeting,  it  was  agreed  in  the  meeting, 
that  thefe  two  committees  mould  meet  to- 
gether in  friends  fchool-houfe  in  the  city, 
at  a  time  then  concluded  on,  to  coniider 
fome  things  in  which  the  caufe  of  truth 
was  concerned  ;  and  thefe  committees  meet- 
ing together,  had  a  weighty  conference 
in  the.  fear  of  the  Lord ;  at  which  time,  I 
perceived,  there  were  many  friends  under  a 
fcruple  like  that  before-mentioned*. 

As  fcrupling  to  pay  a  tax  on  account  of 
the  application,  hath  feldom  been  heard  of 
heretofore,  even  amongft  men  of  integrity, 
who  have  fteadily  borne  their  teflimony 
againft  outward  wars  in  their  time  ;  I  may 
here  note  fome  things  which  have  occurred 
to  my  mind,  as  I  have  been  inwardly  exer- 
cifed  on  that  account :  from  the  fteady  oppo- 
fition  which  faithful  friends,  in  early  times, 
made  to  wrong  things  then  approved  of,  they 
were  hated  and  persecuted  by  men  living  in 
the  fpirit  of  this  world ;  and  fuffering  with 
firmnefs,  they  were  made  a  Welling  to  the 
church,  and  the  work  profpered.  It  equally 
concerns  men,  in  every  age,  to  take  heed  to 
their  own  fpirit ;  and  in  comparing  their  fitu- 
G  2  ation 


*  Chriftians  refufed  to  pay  taxes  to  fupport  heathen    tem- 
ples.    See  Primitive  Chriftianity,  part  III.  page  327, 


84     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

ation  with  ours,  it  looks  to  me  there  was  lefs 
clanger  of  their  being  infected  with  the  fpi- 
rit  of  this  world,  in  paying  fuch  taxes,  than 
there  is  of  vis  now :  they  had  little  or  no  fliare 
in  civil  government ;  and  many  of  them  de- 
clared, they  were,  through  the  power  of  God, 
feparated  from  the  fpirit  in  which  wars  were ; 
and  being  afflicted  by  the  rulers  on  account 
of  their  teflimony,  there  was  lefs  likelihood 
of  uniting  in  fpirit  with  them  in  things  in- 
Confident  with  the  purity  of  truth.  We, 
from  the  firft  fettlement  of  this  land,  have 
known  little  or  no  troubles  of  that  fort :  their 
profeflion,  for  a  time,  was  accounted  re- 
proachful j  but,  at  length,  the  uprightnefs 
of  our  predeceffors  being  underftood  by  the 
rulers,  afid  their  innocent  fufferings  moving 
themj  our  way  of  worfhip  was  tolerated  ;  and 
many  of  our  members  in  thefe  colonies  became 
active  in  civil  government.  -Being  thus  tried 
with  favour  and  profperity,  this  world  hath 
appeared  inviting  ;  our  minds  have  been 
turned  to  the  improvement  of  our  country, 
to  merchandize  and  faiences,  amongft  which 
are  many  things  ufeful,  being  followed  in 
pure  wifdom ;  but  in  our  preient  condition, 
that  a  carnal  mind  is  gaining  upon  us,  I  be- 
lieve will  not  be  denied.  Some  of  our  mem- 
bers, who  are  officers  in  civil  government, 
are,  in  one  cafe  or  other,  called  upon  in  their 
refpective  flations  to  aiuft  in  things  relative 
to  the  wars ;  fuch  being  in  doubt  whether  to 
•act,  or  crave  to  be  cxcufed  from  their  office, 
feeing  their  brethren  united  in  the  payment 

of 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     §5 

of  a  tax  to  carry  on  the  faid  wars,  might 
think  their  cafe  not  much  different,  and  fb 
quench  the  tender  movings  of  the  Holy  Spi- 
rit in  their  minds ;  and  thus,  by  fmall  degrees, 
there  might  be  an  approach  toward  that  of 
fighting,  till  we  came  fo  near  it,  as  that  the 
diilinctioii  would  be  little  elfe,  but  the  name 
of  a  peaceable  people. 

It  requires  great  felf-denial  and  refigna- 
tion  of  ourfelves  to  God,  to  attain  that  ftatc 
wherein  we  can  freely  ceafe  from  fighting 
when  wrongfully  invaded  ;  if,  by  our  fight- 
ing, there  were  a  probability  of  overcoming 
the  invaders :  whoever  rightly  attains  to  it, 
does,  in  fome  degree,  feel  that  fpirit  in  which 
our  Redeemer  gaVe  his  life  for  us  ;  and,  thro' 
divine  goodnefs,  many  of  our  predeceiTors, 
and  many  now  living,  have  learned  this  bleffed 
leffon ;  but  many  others,  having  their  religion 
.chiefly  by  education,  and  not  being  enough 
acquainted  with  that  crofs  which  crucifies  to 
the  world,  do  manifeft  a  temper  difliiiguim- 
able  from  that  of  an  entire  trull  in  God.  In 
calmly  confidering  tliefe  things,  it  hath  not 
appeared  flrange  to  me,  that  an  exercife  hath 
now  fallen  upon  fome,  which,  as  to  the  out- 
\vard  means  of  it,  is  different  from  what  was 
kno  wrn  to  many  of  thofe  who  went  before  us. 

Some  time  after  the, yearly-meeting,  a  day 
being  appointed,  and  letters  wrote  to  diftant 
members,  the  faid  committees  met  at  Phila- 
delphia ;  and,  by  adjournments,  continued 
feveral  days.  The  calamities  of  war  were 
.now  increasing  j  the  frontier  inhabitants  of 

Peon* 


86     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

Pennfylvania  were  frequently  furprized,  fome 
flam,  and  many  taken  captive  by  the  Indians ; 
and  while  thefe  committees  fat,  the  corps  of 
one  fo  flam  was  brought  in  a  waggon,  and 
taken  through  the  ftreets  of  the  city,  in  his 
bloody  garments,  to  alarm  the  people,  and 
roufe  them  up  to  war. 

Friends  thus  met  were  not  all  of  one  mind 
in  relation  to  the  tax ;  which  to  fuch  whp 
fcrupled  it  made  the  way  more  difficult.  To 
refufe  an  active  payment  at  fuch  a  time, 
might  be  conftrue'd  an  act  of  difloyalty,  and 
appeared  likely  to  difpleafe  the  rulers,  not 
only  here  but  in  England ;  ftill  there  was  a 
fcruple  fo  fattened  xipon  the  minds  of  many 
friends,  that  nothing  moved  it :  ~  it  was  a 
conference  the  moil  weighty  that  ever  'I  was 
at ;  and  the  hearts  of  many  were  -.bowed  in 
reverence  before  the  Moil  High.  Some  friends 
of  the  faid  committees  wrho  appeared  eaty  to 
pay  the  tax,  after  feveral  adjournments,  with- 
drew ;  others  of  them  continued  till  the  laft : 
at  length,  an  epiftle  of  tender  love  and  cau- 
tion, to  friends  in  Pennfylvania,  was  drawn 
by  fome  friends  concerned,  on  that  fubject  ; 
and  being  read  feveral  times  and  corrected, 
was  then  iigned  by  fuch  of  them  as  were  free 
to  fign  it,  and  afterward  lent  to  the  monthly 
and  quarterly-meetings. 

On  the  ninth  day  of  the  eighth  month,  in 
the  year  1757,  at  night,  orders  came  to  the 
military  officers  in  our  county,  (Burlington) 
directing  them  to  draft  the  militia,  and  pre- 
pare a  number  of  men  to  go  off  as  foldiers, 

to 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     87 

to  the  relief  of  the  Englifli  at  fort  William- 
Henry,  in  New- York  government  :  a  few 
days  after  which,  there  was  a  general  review 
of  the  militia  at  Mount-Holly,  and  a  num- 
ber of  men  chofen  and  fent  off  under  fome 
officers.  Shortly  after,  there  came  orders  to 
draught  three  times  as  many,  to  hold  them- 
felves  in  readinefs  to  march  when  frefli  or- 
ders came  :  and  on  the  feventeenth  day  of 
the  eighth  month,  there  was  a  meeting  of 
the  military  officers  at  Mount-Holly,  who 
agreed  on  a  draught ;  and  orders  were  fent 
to  the  men  fo  chofen,  to  meet  their  refpeclive 
captains,  at  fet  times  and  places  ;  thofe  in  our 
townmip  to  meet  at  Mount-Holly  ;  amongfl 
whom  were  a  considerable  number  of  our 
fociety.  My,  mind  being  affecled  herewith, 
I  had  frefh'  opportunity  to  fee  and  confider 
the  advantage  of  living  in  the  real  fubftance 
of  -  religioi^,  where  practice  doth  harmonize 
with  principle.  Amongft  the  officers  are  men 
of  understanding,  who  have  fome  regard  to 
iincerity  where  they  fee  it ;  and  in  the  exe- 
cution of  their  office,  when  they  have  men 
to  deal  with  whom  they  believe  to  be  up- 
right-hearted, to  put  them  to  trouble  on  ac- 
count of  fcruples  of  confcience,  is  a  painful 
talk,  and  likely  to  be  avoided  as  much  as 
eafily  as  may  be :  but  "where  men  profels  to 
be  fo  'meek  and  heavenly-minded,  and  to 
have  their  truft  fo  firmly  fettled  in  God,  that 
they  cannot  join  in  wars  ;  and  yet,  by  their 
fpirit  and  conduct  in  common  life,  manifefl 

a 


S3      THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

a  contrary  difpofition,   their  difficulties    arc 
great  at  fuch  a  time. 

Oitictjs  in  great  anxiety  endeavouring  to 
get  troops  to  anfwer  the  demands  of  their  fu- 
periors,  feeing  men,  who  are  iniincere,  pre- 
tend Icrupie  of  conicience,  in  hopes  of  be- 
ing excuied  from  a  dangerous  employment, 
they  are  likely  to  be  roughly  handled.  In 
this  time  of  commotion  ibme  of  our  young 
men  left  the  pan.-?,  and  tarried  abroad  till  h 
was  over  ;  fome  came,  and  propoled  to  go 
as  foidiers  ;  others  appeared  to  have  a  real 
tender  fcruple  in  their  minds  againft  joining 
in  wars,  and  were  much  humbled  under  the 
apprehenfion  of  a  trial  fo  near  :  I  had  con- 
verfation  with  feveral  of  them  to  my  fatisfac- 
tion.  At  the  iet  time  when  the  captain  came 
to  town,  fome  of  thofe  laft-mentioned  went 
and  told  him  in  fubflance  as  follows : — That 
they  could  not  bear  arms  for  confcience- 
fake ;  nor  could  they  hire  any  to  go  in  their 
places,  being  religned  as  to  the  event  of  it  : 
at  length  the  captain  acquainted  them  all, 
that  they  might  return  home  for  the  prefent, 
and  required  them  to  provide  themielves  as 
foidiers,  and  to  be  in  readinefs  to  march  when 
called  upon.  This  was  fuch  a  time  as  I  had 
not  feeii  before  j  and  yet  I  may  fay,  with 
thankfulnefs  to  the  Lord,  that  I  believed  this 
trial  was  intended  for  our  good ;  and  I  was 
favoured  with  resignation  to  him.  The  French 
army  taking  the  fort  they  were  befieging,  de- 
flroyed  it  and  went  away :  the  company  of 

men 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     89 

men  firft  draughted,  after  fome  days  march, 
had  orders  to  return  home  ;  and  thofe  on  the 
fecond  draught,  were  no  more  called  Upon 
on  that  occaiion. 

On  the  fourth  day  of  the  fourth  month,  in 
the  year  1758,  orders  came  to  fome  officers, 
in  Mount-Holly,  to  prepare  quarters,  a  more 
time,  for  about  one  hundred  foldiers  :  and 
an  officer  and  two  other  men,  all  inhabitants 
of  our  town,  came  to  my  houfe  ;  and  the  of- 
ficer told  me,  that  he  came  to  fpeak  with  rne, 
to  provide  lodging  and  entertainment  for  two 
foldiers,  there  being  fix  Ihillings  a  week  per 
man  allowed  as  pay  for  it.  The  cafe  being 
new  and  unexpected,  I  made  no  anfwer  fud- 
denly  ;  but  fat  a  time  fileiit,  my  mind  being 
inward :  I  was  fully  convinced,  that  the  pro- 
ceedings in  wars  are  inconfiftent  with  the 
purity  of  the  chriftian  religion;  and  to  be 
hired  to  entertain  men,  who  were  then  under 
pay  as  foldiers,  was  a  difficulty  with  me.  I 
expecled  they  had  legal  authority  for  what 
they  did  ;  and,  after  a  fhort  time,  I  faid  to 
the  officer,  if  the  men  are  fent  here  for  en- 
tertainment, I  believe  I  iliall  not  refufe  to  ad- 
mit them  into  my  houfe  ;  but  the  nature  of 
the  cafe  is  fuch,  that  I  expect  I  cannot  keep 
them  on  hire  :  one  of  the  men  intimated, 
that  he  thought  I  might  do  it  confident  with 
my  religious  principles :  to  which  I  made  no 
reply ;  as  believing  filence,  at  that  time,  beft 
for  me.  Though  they  fpake  of  two,  there 
came  only  one,  who  tarried  at  my  houfe  about 
two  weeks,  and  behaved  himfelf  civilly  ;  and 

when 


9o       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

when  the  officer  came  to  pay  me,  I  told  him 
I  could  not  take  pay  for  it,  having  admitted 
him  into  my  houfe  in  a  paffive  obedience  to 
authority.  I  was  on  horfeback  when  he 
ipake  to  me :  and  as  I  turned  from  him,  he 
laid,  he  was  obliged  to  me  :  to  which  I  laid 
nothing ;  but  thinking  on  the  expreflion,  I 
grew  uneafy  ;  and  afterwards,  being  near 
where  he  lived,  I  went  and  told  him  on  what 
grounds  I  refufed  taking  pay  for  keeping  the 
fbldier. 

Near  the  beginning  of  the  year  1758,  I 
went  one  evening,  in  company  with  a  friend, 
to  vifit  a  fick  perfbn  ;  and  before  our  re- 
turn, we  were  told  of  a  woman  living  near, 
who,  of  late,  had  feveral  days  been  difcon- 
folate,  occafioned  by  a  dream ;  wherein  death, 
and  the  judgments  of  the  Almighty  after 
death,  were  reprefented  to  her  mind  in  a 
moving  manner  :  her  fadnefs,  on  that  ac- 
count, being  worn  off;  the  friend,  with 
whom  I  was  in  company,  went  to  fee  her, 
and  had  fome  religious  converfation  with  her 
and  her  hufband :  with  this  vifit  they  were 
fomewhat  affected ;  and  the  man,  with  many 
tears,  expreffed  his  fatisfaction  :  and,  in  a 
ihort  time  after,  the  poor  man  being  on  the 
river  in  a  ftorm  of  wind,  he,  with  one  more, 
was  drowned. 

In  the  eighth  month  of  the  year  1758, 
having  had  drawings  in  my  mind  to  be  at 
the  quarterly-meeting  in  Chefter  county,  and 
at  fome  meetings  in  the  county  of  Philadel- 
phia, I  went  firft  to  faid  quarterly-meeting, 

which 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     91 

which  was  large  ;  and  feveral  weighty  mat- 
ters came  under  confederation  and  debate  ; 
and  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  qualify  fome  of 
his  fervants  with  ftrength  and  firmnefs,  to 
bear  the  burthen  of  the  day  :  though  I  laid 
but  little,  my  mind  was  deeply  exercifed  ; 
and,  under  a  fenfe  of  God's  love,  in  the  an- 
ointing and  fitting  fome  young  men  for  his 
work,  I  was  comforted,  and  my  heart  was 
tendered  before  him.  From  hence  I  went  to 
the  youths  meeting  at  Darby,  where  my  be- 
loved friend  and  brother  Benjamin  Jones  met 
me,  by  an  appointment  before  I  left  home, 
to  join  in  the  vifit :  and  we  wrere  at  Radnor, 
Merion,  Richland,  North-Wales,  Plymouth, 
and  Abhigtoii  meetings  ;  and  had  caufe  to 
bow  in  reverence  before  the  Lord  our  graci- 
ous God,  by  whofe  help  way  was  opened 
for  us  from  day  to  day.  I  was  out  about 
two  weeks,  and  rode  about  two  hundred 
miles. 

The  monthly-meeting  of  Philadelphia  hav- 
ing been  under  a  concern,  on  account  of  fome 
friends,  who  this  fummcr  (1758)  had  bought 
negro  flaves  :  the  faid  meeting  moved  it  totheir 
quarterly-meeting,  to  have  the  minute  recon- 
fidered  in  the  yearly-meeting,  which  was 
made  lafl  oil  that  fubjecl :  and  the  faid  quar- 
terly-meeting appointed  a  committee  to  coii- 
fider  it,  and  report  to  their  next  ;  vrhich 
committee  having  met  once  and  adjourned, 
and  I  going  to  Philadelphia  to  nicer;  a  com- 
mittee of  the  yearly-meeting,  was  in  town 
the  evening  on  which  the  quarterly-meeting's 

com- 


92       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

committee  met  the  fecond  time  ;  and  finding 
ail  inclination  to  fit  with  them,  was,  with 
e  others,  admitted ;  and  friends  had  a 
weighty  conference  on  the  fubject :  and  ibon- 
after  their  next  quarterly-meeting,  I  heard 
that  the  cafe  was  coming  to  our  yearly-meet- 
ing ;  which  brought  a  weighty  exercife  upon 
me,  and  under  a  fenfe  of  my  own  infirmi- 
ties, and  the  great  danger  I  felt  of  turning 
alkie  from  perfect  purity,  my  mind  was  of- 
ten drawn  to  retire  alone,  and  put  up  my 
prayers  to  the  Lord,  that  he  would  be  gra- 
cioully  pleafed  to  ftrengthen  me ;  that  letting 
aiide  all  views  of  felf-intereft  and  the  friend- 
iliip  of  this  world,  I  might  Hand  fully  re- 
iigned  to  his  holy  will. 

In  this  yearly-meeting,  feveral  weighty 
matters  were  conficlered  ;  and  toward  the  laft, 
that  in,  relation  to  dealing  with  perfons"  who 
purchafe  Haves.  During  the  feveral  fittings 
of  the  faid  meeting,  my  mind  was  frequent- 
ly covered  with  inward  prayer  ;  and  I  could 
lay  with  David,  "  that  tears  were  my  meat 
*'  day  and  night."  The  cafe  of  flave-keeping 
lay  heavy  upon  me  ;  nor  did  I  find  any  en- 
gagement to  fpeak  directly  to  any  other  mat- 
ter before  the  meeting.  Now  when  this  cafe 
was  opened,  ieveral  faithful  friends  fpake 
weightily  thereto,  with  which  I  was  com- 
forted ;  and  feeling  a  concern  to  cafl  in  my 
mite,  I  laid,  in  fubftancc,  as  follows  : 

"  In  the  difficulties  attending  us  in  this 
life,  nothing  is  more  precious  than  the  mind 
of  truth  inwardly  manifefted  j  and  it  is  my 

earned 


oh 


©p     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     93 

earneft  defire,  that  in  this  weighty  matter, 
we  may  be  fo  truly  humbled  as  to  be  favour- 
ed with  a  clear  understanding  of  the  mind 
of  truth,  and  follow  it  ;  this  would  be  of 
more  advantage  to  the  fociety,  than  any  me- 
dium not  in  the  clearnefs  of  divine  wilcjom. 
The  cafe  is  difficult  to  fome  who  have  them; 
but  if  fiich  fet  afkle  all  felf-intereft,  and  come 
to  be  weaned  from  the  defire  of  getting  ef- 
tates,  or  even  from  holding  them  together, 
when  truth  requires  the  contrary,  I  believe 
way  will  open  that  they  will  know  how  to 
fteer  through  thoie  difficulties." 

Many  friends  appeared  to  be  deeply  bow- 
ed under  the  weight  of  the  work  ;  and  mani- 
feiled  much  nrmnefs  in  their  love  to  the  cauie 
of  truth,  and  univerfal  righteoufnefs  on  the 
earth  :  and  though  none  did  openly  juilify 
the  practice  cf  nave-keeping  in  general,  yet 
fome  appeared  concerned,  left  the  meeting 
fhould  go  into  fiich  meafures,  as  might  give 
uneafinefs  to  many  brethren  ;  alledging,  that 
if  friends  patiently  continued  under  the  ex- 
ercife,  the  Lord,  in  time  to  come,  might 
open  a  way  for  the  deliverance  of  thefe  peo- 
ple :  and  I  finding  an  engagement  to  {peak, 
laid,  "  My  mind  is  often  led  to  confider  the 
purity  of  the  Divine  Being,  and  the  juftice 
of  his  judgments  ;  and  herein  my  foul  is  co- 
vered with  awfulnefs  :  I  cannot  omit  to  hint 
of  fome  cafes,  where  people  have  hot  been 
treated  with  the  purity  of  juilice,  and  the 

jilt  hath  been  lamentable  :  Many  flaves  on 
this  continent  are  opprefled,  and  their  cries 

have 


n 
S 


94      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

have  reached  the  ears  of  the  Mofl  High, 
uch  are  the  purity  and  certainty  of  his 
judgments,  that  he  cannot  be  partial  in  our 
favour.  In  infinite  love  and  goodnefs,  he 
jhath  opened  our  understandings  from  onetime 
to  another,  concerning  our  duty  toward  this 
people ;  and  it  is  not  a  time  for  delay.  Should 
we  now  be  feniible  of  what  he  requires  of 
us,  and  through  a  refpecl:  to  the  private  in- 
tereft  of  fome  perfons,  or  through  a  regard 
to  fome  friendihips  which  do  not  fland  on  an 
immutable  foundation,  neglect  to  do  our  du- 
ty in  firmnefs  and  conftancy,  flill  waiting 
for  fome  extraordinary  means  to  bring  about 
their  deliverance ;  it  may  be  by  terrible  things 
in  righteoufnefs,  God  may  anfwer  us  in  this 


matter." 


Many  faithful  brethren  laboured  with  great 
firmnefs  ;  and  the  love  of  truth,  in  a  good 
degree,  prevailed.  Several  friends,  who  had 
negroes,  expreffed  their  delire  that  a  rule 
might  be  made,  to  deal  with  fuch  friends  as 
offenders  who  bought  flaves  in  future  :  to 
this  it  was  anfwered,  that  the  root  of  this 
evil  would  never  be  effectu'ally  ftruck  at,  un- 
til a  thorough  fearch  was  made  into  the  cir- 
cumftances  of  fuch  friends  who  kept  negroes, 
with  refpecl  to  the  righteoufnefs  of  their 
motives  in  keeping  them,  that  impartial  juf- 
tice  might  be  adminiflered  throughout.  Seve- 
ral friends  exprefled  their  defire,  that  a  vifit 
might  be  made  to  fuch  friends  who  kept 
flaves  :  and  many  friends  faid,  that  they  be- 
lieved 


OF     JOHN     WOOLMAN.    9? 

lieved  liberty  was  the  negroes  right ;  to  which, 
at  length,  no  oppofition  was  made  publicly  : 
a  minute  was  made  more  full  on  that  fub- 
jec"t,  than  any  heretofore ;  and  the  names  of 
feveral  friends  entered,  who  were  free  to  join 
in  a  vific  to  fuch  who  kept  flaves. 


CHAP.      VI. 

Ills  vifiting  the  quarterly-meetings  in  Chefter 
county  ;  and  afterwards  joining  ivith  Daniel 
Stanton  and  John  Scarborough,  in  a  vifit  to 
fuch  as  kept  flaves  there  —  Some  obfervations 
en  the  condutl  fuch  fliould  maintain  <who  are 
concerned  tofpeak  in  meetings  for  difciplinc — 
Several  more  vifiis  to  fuch  ivho  kept  Jlaves  : 
and  to  friends  near  Salem — So?ne  account  of 
the  yearly-meeting  in  the  year  1/59;  and  of 
the  increajing  concern  in  divers  provinces  ^  to 
labour  againjl  buying  and  keeping  flaves  — 
The  yearly-meeting  epijlle —  His  thoughts  on 
the  fmall-pox  fpreading — and  on  inoculation. 

ON  the  eleventh  day  of  the  eleventh  month, 
in  the  year  1758,  I  fet  out  for  Concord; 
the  quarterly-meeting,  heretofore  held,  there, 
was  now,  by  reafon  of  a  great  increafe  of 
members,  divided  into  two  by  the  agreement 
of  friends,  at  our  lafl  yearly  meeting.  Here 

I  met 


96      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS' 

I  met  with  our  beloved  friends  Samuel  Spa-* 
void  and  Mary  Kirby  from  England,  and 
with  Jofeph  White  from  Bucks  county,  who 
had  taken  leave  of  his  family  in  order  to  go 
on  a  religious  vifit  to  friends  in  England  ; 
and,  through  divine  goodnefs,  we  were  fa- 
voured with  a  ftrengthening  opportunity  to- 
gether. 

After  this  meeting  I  joined  with  my  friends 
Daniel  Stanton  and  John  Scarborough,  in 
vifiting  friends  who  had  flaves  ;  and  at  night 
we  had  a  family  meeting  at  William  Trim- 
ble's, many  young  people  being  there  ;  and 
it  was  a  precious  reviving  opportunity.  Next 
morning  we  had  a  comfortable  fitting  with 
a  fick  neighbour  ;  and  thence  to  the  burial  of 
the  corpfe  of  a  friend  at  Uwchlancl  meeting, 
at  which  were  many  people,  and  it  was  a 
time  of  divine  favour ;  after  which,  we  vi- 
lited  fome  who  had  Haves  ;  and,  at  night, 
had  a  family  meeting  at  a  friend's  houfe, 
where  the  channel  of  gofpel  love  was  opened, 
and  my  mind  was  comforted  after  a  hard 
day's  labour.  The  next  day  we  were  at  Go- 
fhen  monthly-meeting:  and  thence,  on  the 
eighteenth  day  of  the  eleventh  month,  in 
the  year  1758,  attended  the  quarterly-meet- 
ing at  London-Grove,  it  being  the  nrffc  held 
at  that  place.  Here  we  met  again  with  all  the 
before-mentioned  friends,  and  had  fome  edi- 
fying meetings  :  and  near  the  concluiion  of 
the  meeting  for  bufinefs,  friends  were  incited 
to  conflancy  in  fupporting  the  teftimony  of 
truth,  and  reminded  of  the  necefuty  which 

the 


OF     JOHN     WOOLMAN.     97 

the  difciples  of  Chrift  are  under  to  attend 
principally  to  his  bufinefs,  as  he  is  pleafed 
to  open  it  to  us  :  and  to  be  particularly  care- 
ful to  have  our  minds  redeemed,  from  the  love 
of  wealth ;  to  have  our  outward  affairs  in  as 
little  room  as  may  be ;  that  no  temporal  con- 
cerns may  entangle  our  affeclions,  or  hinder 
us  from  from  diligently  following  the  dictates 
of  truth,  in  labouring  to  promote  the  pure 
fpirit  of  nieeknefs  and  heavenly-mindednefs 
amongli  the  children  of  men,  in  thefe  days 
of  calamity  and  diftrefs  ;  wherein  God  is  vi- 
fiting  our  land  with  his  juft  judgments. 

Each  of  thefe  quarterly-meetings  were 
large,  and  fat  near  eight  hours.  Here  I  had 
occafion  to  confider,  that  it  is  a  weighty  thing 
to  fpeak  much  in  large  meetings  for  bufinefs  : 
ftrfl,  except  our  minds  are  rightly  prepared, 
and  we  clearly  underfland  the  cafe  we  fpeak 
to,  inflead  of  forwarding  j  we  hinder  bufi- 
nefs, and  make  more  labour  for  thofe  on 
whom  the  burthen  of  the  work  is  laid. 

If  felfiih  views,  or  a  partial  fpirit,  have 
any  room  in  our  minds,  we  are  unfit  for 
the  Lord's  work  ;  if  we  have  a  clear  profpecl 
of  the  buiinefs,  and  proper  weight  on  our 
minds  to  fpeak,  it  behoves  us  to  avoid  ufelefs 
apologies  and  repetitions :  where  people  are 
gathered  from  far,'  and  adjourning  a  meet- 
ing of  bufinefs  is  attended  with  great  diffi- 
culty, it  behoves  all  to  be  cautious  how  they 
detain  a  meeting  ;  efpecially  when  they  have 
fat  iix  or  feven  hours,  and  have  a  great  dif- 
H  tance 


98     THE   LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

tance  to  ride  home.     After  this  meeting  ! 
rode  home. 

In  the  beginning  of  the  twelfth  month  of 
the  year  1758,  I  joined  in  company  with  my 
friends  John  Sykes  and  Daniel  Stanton,  in 
viiiting  fuch  who  had  flaves  :  fome,  whofe 
hearts  were  rightly  exercifed  about  them,  ap- 
peared to  be  glad  of  our  viiit ;  but  in  fome 
places  our  way  was  more  difficult ;  and  I  of- 
ten faw  the  neceflity  of  keeping  down  to  that 
root  from  whence  our  concern  proceeded; 
and  have  caufe,  in  reverent  thankful nefs, 
humbly  to  bow  down  before  the  Lord,  who 
was  near  to  me,  and  preferred  my  mind  in 
Calmnefs  under  fome  {harp  conflicts,  and  be- 
gat a  fpirit  of  fympathy  and  tendernefs  in 
me,  toward  fome  who  were  grievoufly  en- 
tangled by  the  fpirit  of  this  world. 

In  the  firft  month  of  the  year  1759,  hav- 
ing found  my  mind  drawn  to  vifit  fome  of 
the  more  active  members,  in  our  fociety  at 
Philadelphia,  who  had  ilaves,  I  met  my  friend 
John  Churchman  there  by  an  agreement ; 
and  we  continued  about  a  week  in  the  city  : 
we  vifited  fome  that  were  lick,  and  fome  wi- 
dows and  their  families  ;  and  the  other  part 
of  our  time  was  moflly  employed  in  vifiting 
iiich  who  had  flaves— It  was  a  time  of  deep 
cxerciie,  looking  often  to  the  Lord  for  his  ai- 
fiflance  ;  who,  in  unfpeakable  kindnefs,  fa- 
voured us  with  the  influence  of  that  fpirit, 
which  crucifies  to  the  greatnefs  and  fplendor 
of  this  world,  and  enabled  us  to  go  through, 

fome 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     99 

fome  heavy  labours,  in  which  we  found 
peace. 

On  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  the  third 
nionth,  of  this  year,  I  was  at  our  Gene- 
ral fpring  meeting  at  Philadelphia  :  after 
which,  I  again  joined  with  John  Churchman 
on  a  vifit  to  fome  more,  who  had  flaves  in 
Philadelphia ;  andj  with  thankfulnefs  to  our 
heavenly  Father,  I  may  fay,  that  divine  love 
and  a  true  fympathizing  tendernefs  of  hear^ 
prevailed  at  times  in  this  fervice. 

Having,  at  times,  perceived  a  fhynefs  m 
fome  friends,  of  considerable  note,  towards 
me,  I  found  an  engagement  in  gofpel  love  to 
pay  a  viiit  to  one  of  them ;  and  as  I  dwelt  un- 
der the  exercife,  I  felt  a  refignednefs  in  my 
mind  to  go  :  fo  I  went,  and  told  him  in  pri- 
vate, I  had  a  defire  to  have  an  opportunity 
with  him  alone ;  to  which  he  readily  agreed  i 
and  then,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  things 
relating  to  that  ihynefs  were  fearched  to  the 
bottom  ;  and  we  had  a  large  conference, 
which,  I  believe,  was  of  ufe  to  both  of  us  ; 
and  am  thankful  that  way  was  opened  for 
it. 

On  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  fixth  month  j 
in  the  fame  year,  having  felt  drawings  in 
my  mind  to  vifit  friends  about  Salem,  and 
having  the  approbation  of  our  monthly- 
meeting  therein,  I  attended  their  quarterly- 
meeting,  and  was  out  feven.  days,  and  at 
feveii  meetings  ;  in  fome  of  which  I  was 
chiefly  filent,  and  in  others,  thro*  the  bap- 
tizing power  of  truth,  my  heart  was  en- 
H  2  largcd 


ioo    THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

larged  in  heavenly  love,  and  found  a  near 
fellowfhip  with  the  brethren  and  fillers,  in 
the  manifold  trials  attending  their  chriftian 
progrefs  through  this  world. 

In  the  feventh  month,  I  found  an  in- 
creafing  concern  on  my  mind  to  vifit  fome 
active  members  in  our  fociety  who  had 
flaves  ;  and  haying  no  opportunity  of  the 
company  of  fuch  who  were  named  on  the 
minutes  of  the  yearly-meeting,  I  went  alone! 
to  their  houfes,  and,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
acquainted  them  with  tlie  exercife  I  was  un- 
der :  and  thus,  fometimes,  by  a  few  words, 
I  found  myfelf  difcharged  from  a  heavy  bur- 
then. 

After  this,  our  friend  John  Churchman 
coming  into  our  province  with  a  view  to  be 
at  fome  meetings,  and  to  join  again  in  the 
vifit  to  thofe  who  had  flaves,  I  bore  him 
company  in  the  faid  vifit  to  fome  active  mem- 
bers, and  found  inward  fatisfaclion. 

At  our  yearly-meeting  in  the  year  iy59> 
we  had  fome  weighty  feafons  ;  where  the 
power  of  truth  was  largely  extended,  to  the 
ftrengthening  of  the  honefh-minded.  As 
friends  read  over  the  epiflles,  to  be  fent  to 
the  yearly-meetings  along  this  continent,  I 
obferved  in  mofl  of  them,  both  this  year  and 
la  ft,  it  was  recommended  to  friends  to  la- 
bour againfl  buying  and  keeping  flaves  ;  and 
in  fome  of  them  clofely  treated  upon.  As 
this  practice  hath  long  been  a  heavy  exercife 
to  me,  and  I  have  often  waded  through  mor- 
^tifying  labours  on  that  account  ;  and,  at 

times, 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     ror 

times,  in  fome  meetings  been  almofl  alone 
therein.  Now  obferving  the  increafing  con- 
cern in  our  religious  fociety,  and  feeing  how 
the  Lord  was  railing  up  and  qualifying  fer- 
vants  for  his  work,  not  only  in  this  reipec\ 
but  for  promoting  the  caufe  of  truth  in  ge- 
neral, I  was  humbly  bowed  in  thankfulnefs 
before  him.  This  meeting  continued  near  a 
week  :  and,  for  fever al  days,  in  the  forepart 
of  it,  my  mind  was  drawn  into  a  deep  in- 
ward ftillnefs  ;  and  being,  at  times,  covered' 
with  the  fpirit  of  fupplication,  my  heart  was 
fecretly  poured  out  before  the  Lord :  and 
near  the  conclufion  of  the  meeting  for  bufi- 
nefs  way  opened,  that,  in  the  pure  flowings 
of  divine  love,  I  expreffed  what  lay  upon 
me;  which,  as  it  then  arofe  in  my  mind,  was 
"  firfltofhew  how  deep  anfwers  to  deep  in  the 
hearts  of  the  fincere  and  upright ;  though,  in 
their  different  growths  they  may  not  allhave 
attained  to  the  fame  clearnefs  in  fome  points 
relating  to  our  teftimony  :  and  I  was  led  to 
mention  the  integrity  and  conflancy  of  many 
martyrs,  who  gave  their  lives  for  the  tefti- 
mony  of  Jefus  ;  and  yet,  in  fome  points, 
held  doctrines  diftinguimable  from  fome 
which  we  hold :  and  that,  in  all  ages  where 
people  were  faithful  to  the  light  and  under- 
itanding  which  the  Mo  ft  High  afforded 
them,  they  found  acceptance  with  him ;  and 
that  now,  though  there  are  different  ways  of 
thinking  amongft  us  in  fome  particulars,  yet, 
if  we  mutually  kept  to  that  fpirit  and  power 
which  crucifies  to  the  world,  which  teaches 

us. 


joa    THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

us  to  be  content  with  things  really  needful, 
and  to  avoid  all  fuperfluities,  giving  up  our 
hearts  to  fear  and  ferve  the  Lord,  true  unity 
may  (till  be  preferred  amongft  us  :  and  that 
if  fuch,  who  were,  at  times,  under  fuiTerings 
on  account  of  fome  fcruples  of  confcience, 
kept  low  and  humble,  and  in  their  conduct 
in  life  manifefled  a  fpirit  of  true  charity; 
it  would  be  more  likely  to  reach  the  witnefs 
in  others,  and  be  of  more  fervice  in  the 
church,  than  if  their  fufFerings  were  attend- 
ed with  a  contrary  fpirit  and  conduct."  In 
which  exercife  I  was  drawn  into  a  fympa- 
thizing  tendernefs  with  the  meep  of  Chrifl, 
however  diftinguiihed  one  from  another  in 
this  world ;  and  the  like  difpoiition  appeared 
to  fpread  over  others  in  the  meeting.  Great 
is  the  goodnefs  of  the  Lord  toward  his  poor 
creatures. 

An  epiflle  went  forth  from  this  yearly- 
meeting,  which  I  think  good  to  give  a 
place  in  this  journal ;  being  as  follows  : 


FronJ 


OF     JOHN     WOOLMAN.     103 


From  the  yearly-meeting  held  at  Philadel- 
phia, for  Pennfylvania  and  New-Jerfey, 
from  the  twenty-fecond  day  of  the  ninth 
month,  to  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  the 
lame,  inclufive,  1759. 
^ 

To  the  quarterly  and  monthly  meetings  of 
friends  belonging  to  the  faid  yearly-meet- 
ing. 

Dearly  beloved  friends  and  brethren, 

**  TN  an  siwfulfenfe  of  the  wifdom  and  goocl- 
•*•  nefs  of  the  Lord  our  God,  whofe  tender 
mercies  have  long  been  continued  to  us  in 
this  land,  we  affectionately  falute  you,  with 
fincere  and  fervent  defires,  that  we  may  re- 
verently regard  the  difpenfations  of  his  pro- 
vidence, and  improve  under  them." 

"  The  empires  and  kingdoms  of  the  earth 
are  fubjecl:  to  his  Almighty  power  :  He  is  the 
God  of  the  fpirits  of  all  flefli ;  and  deals  with 
his  people  agreeable  to  that  wifdom,  die  depth 
whereof  is  to  us  unfearchable :  we,  in  thefe 
provinces,  may  fay,  He  hath,  as  a  gracious 
and  tender  parent,  dealt  bountifully  with  us, 
even  from  the  days  of  our  fathers  :  it  was  He 
who  ftrengthened  them  to  labour  through  the 
difficulties  attending  the  improvement  of  a 
wildernefs,  and  made  way  for  them  in  the 
hearts  of  the  natives ;  fo  that  by  them  they 
were  comforted  ia  times  of  want  and  diftrefs  •, 


104    THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

it  was  by  the  gracious  influences  of  his  holy 
fpirit,  that  they  .were  difpofed  to  work  righr 
teoufnefs,  and  walk  uprightly  one  towards 
another,  and  towards  the  natives,  and  in  life 
and  conversation  to  rAanifeft  the  excellency  of 
the  principles  and  doctrines  of  the  chriftian 
religion  ;  and  thereby  they  retain  their  efteem 
and-  friendfhip  :  whilft  they  were  labouring 
for  the  neceffaries  of  life,  many  of  them  were 
fervently  engaged  to  promote  piety  and  vir- 
tue in  the  earth,  and  educate  their  children 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord." 

"  If  we  carefully  confider  the  peaceable 
meafures  purfued  in  the  nrfl  fettlement  of 
the  land,  and  that  freedom  from  the  defola- 
-tions  of  wars,  which  for  a  long  time  we  en- 
joyed, we  mall  find  ourfelves  under  ftrbng 
obligations  to  the  Almighty,  who,  when  the 
earth  is  fo  generally  polluted  with  wicked- 
nefs,  gave  us  a  being  in  a  part  fo  fignally  fa- 
voured with  tranquillity  and  plenty,  aiid  in 
which  the  "glad  tidings  of  the  gofpel  of 
Chrifl  are  fo  freely  publifhed,  that  we  may 
juflly  fay  with  the  pfalmift,  "  What  fhall 
"  we  render  unto  the  Lord  for  all  his  bene- 
"  fits?" 

"  Our  own  real  good,  and  the  good  of  our 
poflerhy  in  fomc  meafure  depends  on  the 
part  we  act ;  and  it  nearly  concerns  us  to  try 
our  foundations  impartially.  Such  are  the 
different  rewards  of  the  juft  and  unjuft  in  a 
future  flate,  that  to  attend  diligently  to  the 
dictates  of  the  fpirit  of  Chrifl,  to  devote  our- 
felves to  his  fervice,  and  engage  fervently  in 

his 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     105 

his  caufe,  during  our  fliort  flay  in  this  world, 
is  a  choice  well  becoming  a  free  intelligent 
creature  ;  we  ihall  thus  clearly  fee  and  con- 
fider  that  the  dealings*  of  God  with  mankind 
in  a  nation?  1  capacity,  as  recorded  in  holy 
writ,  do  fufficiently  evidence  the  truth  of 
that  faying,  "  it  is  righteoufnefs  which  ex- 
"  alteth  a  nation  ;"  and  though  he  doth  not 
at  all  times  fuddenly  execute  his  judgments 
on  a  finful  people  in  this  life,  yet  we  fee  by 
many  inilances,  that  where  "  men  follow 
"  lying  vanities,  they  forfake  their  own  mer- 
"  cies ;"  and  as  a  proud  felfrfh  fpirit  prevails 
and  fpreads  among  a  people,  fo  partial  judg- 
ment, oppreflion,  clifcord,  envy  and  confn- 
fions  increafe,  and  provinces  and  kingdoms 
are  made  to  drink  the  cup  of  adverfity  as  a 
reward  of  their  own  doings.  Thus  the  in- 
fpired  prophet,  reafoning  with  the  degene- 
rated Jews,  faith,  "  Thine  own  wickedness 
"  ihall  correct  thee,  and  thy  backflidings 
"  Ihall  reprove  thee  :  know  therefore,  that 
u  it  is  an  evil  thing  and  bitter,  that  then 
"  haft  forfaken  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
"  that  my  fear  is  not  in  thee,  faith  the  Lord 
"  God  of  Hods."  Jer.  ii.  19. 

"  The  God  of  our  fathers,  who  hath  be- 
ftowed  on  us  many  benefits,  furniihed  a  ta- 
ble for  us  in  the  wildernefs,  and  made  the 
defarts  and  folitary  places  to  rejoice ;  he  doth 
now  mercifully  call  upon  us  to  ferve  him 
more  faithfully — We  may  truly  fay  with  the 
prophet,  "  it  is  his  voice  which  crieth  to  the 
"  city,  and  men  of  \vifdom  fee  his  name : 

"  They 


106     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

"  They  regard  the  rod,  and  him  who  hath 
"  appointed  it". — People  who  look  chiefly  at 
things  outward,  too  little  confider  the  ori- 
ginal caufe  of  the  prefeiit  troubles  ;  but  fuch 
who  fear  the  Lord,  and  think  often  upon 
his  name,  they  fee  and  feel  that  a  wrong 
fpirit  is  fpreading  among  the  inhabitants  of 
our  country  ;  that  the  hearts  of  many  are 
waxed  fat,  and  their  ears  dull  of  hearing  j 
that  the  Moil  High,  in  his  vifitations  to  us, 
inftead  of  calling,  he  lifteth  up  his  voice  and 
crieth  ;  he  crieth  to  our  country,  and  his 
voice  waxeth  louder  and  louder.  In  former 
wars  between  the  Englifh  and  other  nations, 
iince  the  fettlement  of  our  provinces,  the  ca- 
lamities attending  them  have  fallen  chietiy 
on  other  places,  but  now  of  late  they  have 
reached  to  our  borders  ;  many  of  our  fellow 
fubjecls.  have  fuffered  on  and  near  our  fron- 
tiers, fbme  have  been  ilain  in  battle,  fome 
killed  in  their  houfes,  and  fome  in  their  fields, 
fome  wounded  and  left  in  great  mifery,  and 
others  feparated  from  their  wives  and  little 
children,  who  have  been  carried  captives 
among  the  Indians  :  We  have  feen  men  an$ 
women,  who  have  been  witnefies  of  thefe 
icencs  of  forrow,  and  being  reduced  Co  want, 
have  come  to  our  houfes  afking  relief. — Jt 
is  not  long  fince  it  was  the  cafe  of  many 
young  men  in  one  of  thefe  provinces  to  be 
draughted,  in  order  to  be  taken  as  fpldiers ; 
fbme  where  at  that  time  in  great  diflrefs,  and 
had  occafion  to  confider  that  their  lives  had, 
been  too  little  conformable  to  the  purity  and 

fpirituality 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     107 

fpirituality  of  that  religion  which  we  pro- 
f'efs,  and  found  themfelves  too  little  ac- 
quainted with  that  inward  humility,  in 
which  true  fortitude  to  endure  hardncfs  for 
the  truth's  fake  is  experienced.— Many  pa- 
rents were  concerned  for  their  children,  and 
in  that  time  of  trial  were  led  to  coniider, 
that  their  care  to  get  outward  treafure  for 
them,  had  been  greater  than  their  care  for 
their  fettlement  in  that  religion  which  cruci- 
fieth  to  the  world,  and  cnableth  to  bear  a 
clear  teflimony  to  the  peaceable  government 
of  the  Meffiah.  Thefe  troubles  are  removed, 
and  for  a  time  we  are  releafed  from  them." 

"  Let  us  not  forget  that  ct  the  Moft  High  hath 
"  his  way  in  the  4eep,  in  clouds  and  in  thick 
"  darknefs'V-that  it  is  his  voice  which  crieth 
to  the  city  and  to  the  country ;  and  oh !  that 
thefe  loud  and  awakening  cries,  may  have  a 
proper  effect  upon  us,  that  heavier  chaftile- 
ment  may  not  become  neceffary !  For  though 
things,  as  to  the  outward,  may,  for  a  iliort 
time,  afford  a  pleafing  profpecl;  yet,  while 
a  felfifh  fpirit,  that  is  not  fubjecl:  to  the  crols 
of  Chriil,  continueth  to  fpread  and  prevail, 
there  can  be  no  long  continuance  in  outward 
peace  and  tranquillity.  If  we  defire  an  inhe- 
ritance incorruptible,  and  to  be  at  reft  in  that 
flate  of  peace  and  happinefs,  which  ever  con- 
tinues ;  if  we  defire  in  this  life  to  dwell  un- 
der the  favour  and  protection  of  that  al- 
mighty Being,  whole  habitation  is  in  holi- 
nels,  whole  ways  are  all  equal  and  \vhofe 
anger  is  now  kindled,  becaufe  of  our  back- 

flidings, 


io8      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

fiidings  ;  let  us  then  awfully  regard  thefe 
beginnings  of  his  fore  judgments',  and  with 
abafement  and  humiliation  turn  to  Him, 
whom  we  have  offended." 

"  Contending  with  one  equal  in  ftrength,  is 
an  uneafy  exercife  ;  but  if  the  Lord  is  be- 
come our  enemy,  if  we  perfift  to  contend 
with  Him  who  is  Omnipotent,  our  over- 
throw will  be  unavoidable."  k 

"  Do  we  feel  an  affectionate  regard  to  pofte- 
rity  ;  and  are  we  employed  to  promote  their 
happinefs  ?  Do  our  minds,  in  things  out- 
ward, look  beyond  our  own  dilfolution  ;  and 
are  we  contriving  for  the  profperity  of  our 
children  after  us  ?  Let  us  then,  like  wife 
builders,  lay  the  foundation  deep;  and  by 
our  conltant  uniform  regard  to  an  inward 
piety  and  virtue,  let  them  fee  that  we  really 
value  it :  let  us  labour  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  that  their  innocent  minds,  while  young 
and  tender,  may  be  preferved  from  corrup- 
tions ;  that  as  they  advance  in  age,  they 
may  rightly  underfland  their  true  intereft, 
may  confider  the  uncertainty  of  temporal 
things,  and,  above  all,  have  their  hope  and 
confidence  firmly  fettled  in  the  bleffmg  of 
that  Almighty  Being,  who  inhabits  eternity, 
and  preferves  and  fupports  the  world." 

"  In  all  our  cares  about  worldly  treafures, 
let  us  fteadily  bear  in  mind,  that  riches  po£- 
feffcd  by  children,  who  do  not  truly  ierve 
God,  are  likely  to  prove  fnares  that  may 
more  grievoufly  entangle  them  in  that  fpirit 
of  ieljifhnefs  and  exaltation,  which  {lands  in 

oppofi- 


of     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.    109 

oppofition  to  real  peace  and  happinefs  ;  and 
renders  them  enemies  to  the  crols  of  Chrift, 
who  fubmit  to  the  influence  of  it." 

'"To  keep  a  watchful  eye  towards  real  ob- 
jects of  charity,  to  viiit  the  poor  in  their 
lonefome  dwelling-places,  to  comfort  them 
who,  through  the  difpenfations  of  Divine 
Providence,  are  in  ftrait  and  painful  circum- 
ftances  in  this  life,  and  fteadily  to  endeavour 
to  honour  God  with  our  fubftance,  from  a 
real  fenfe  of  the  love  of  Chriil  influencing 
our  minds  thereto,  is  more  likely  to  bring  a 
blcfling  to  our  children,  and  will  afford  more 
fatisfadion  to  a  chriftian  favoured  with  plen- 
ty, than  an  earned  defire  to  collecl  much 
wealth  to  leave  behind  us,  for"  here  we  have 
"  no  continuing  city ;"  may  we  therefore  di- 
ligently "  feek  one  that  is  to  come,  whofe 
"  builder  and  maker  is  God." 

"  Finally,  brethren,  whatfoever  things  are 
"  true,  whatfoever  things  are  jufl,  whatfo- 
"  ever  things  are  pure,  whatfoever  things 
"  are  lovely,  whatfoever  things  are  of  good 
"  report ;  if  there  be  any  virtue,  if  there 
"  be  any  praife,  think  on  thefe  things  and 
"do  them,  and  the  God  of  peace  fhall  be 
"  with  you." 

Signed  by  appointment,  and  on  behalf  of 
our  laid  meeting,  by  feven  friends. 


On 


no    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

On  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  the  eleven  til 
month,  in  the  year  1759,  I  was  at  the  quar- 
terly-meeting in  Bucks  county :  this  day  be- 
ing the  meeting  of  minifters  and  elders,  my 
heart  was  enlarged  in  the  love  of  Jefus  Chrift  j 
and  the  favour  of  the  Moil  High  was  ex- 
tended to  us  in  that  and  the  enfuing  meet- 
ing. 

I  had  converfation,  at  my  lodging,  with 
my  beloved  friend  Samuel  Eaftburn  ;  who 
expreiTed  a  concern  to  join  in  a  vifit  to  fome 
friends j  in  that  county,  who  had  negroes  ; 
and  as  I  had  felt  a  draught  irf  my  mind  to 
that  Work  in  the  faid  county,  I  came  home 
and  put  things  in  order  :  on  the  eleventh 
day  of  the  twelfth  month  following,  I  went: 
over  the  river  ;  and  on  the  next  day- was  at 
Buckingham  meeting  ;  where,  through  the 
defcendings  of  heavenly  dew,  my  mind  was 
comforted,  and  drawn  into  a  near  unity  with 
the  flock  of  Jefus  Chrift. 

Entering  upon  this  vifit  appeared  weighty  i 
and  before  I  left  home  my  mind  was  often 
lad  ;  under  which  exercife  I  felt,  at  times, 
the  Holy  Spirit  which  helps  our  infirmities  ; 
through  which,  in  private,  my  prayers  were, 
at  times,  put  up  to  God,  that  he  would  be 
pleafed  to  purge  me  from  all  felfiihnefs,  that 
I  might  be  Strengthened  to  difcharge  my 
duty  faithfully,  how  hard  foever  to  the  na- 
tural part.  We  proceeded  on  the  vifit  in  a 
weighty  frame  of  fpirit,  and  went  to  the 
houies  of  the  mod  active  members,  through- 
out the  county,  who  had  negroes ;  and, 

through 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN/ in 

through  the  goodnefs  of  the  Lord,  my  mind 
was  preserved  in  refignation  in  times  i)f  trial, 
and  though  the  work  was  hard  to  nature, 
yet  through  the  flrength  of  that  love  which 
is  ilrongcr  than  death,  tendernefs  of  heart 
was  often  felt  amongft  us  in  our  vifits,  and 
we  parted  from  feveral  families  with  greater 
fatisfaclioii  than  we  expecled. 

We  vifited  Jofeph  White's  family,  he  be-^ 
ing  in  England  ;  had  alfo  a  family  fitting  at 
the  hcufe  of  an  elder  who  bore  us  company, 
and  was  at  Makefiekl  on  a  firft  day  :  at  ail 
which  times  my  heart  was  truly  thankful  to 
the  Lord,  who  was  gracioufly  pleafed  to  re- 
new his  loving-kindnefs  to  us,  his  poor  fer- 
vants,  uniting  us  together  in  his  work. 

In  the  winter  of  this  year,  the  iinall-pox  be- 
ing in  our  town,  and  many  being  inoculated, 
of  which  a  few  died,  fome  things  were  open- 
ed in  my  mind,  which  I  wrote  as  follow  : 

The  more  fully  our  lives  are  conformable 
to  the  will  of  God,  the  better  it  is  for  us. — 
I  have  looked  on  the  finall-pox  as  a  mefTenger 
from  the  Almighty,  to  be  an  affiftant  in  the 
caufc  of  virtue,  and  to  incite  us  to  confider 
whether  we  employ  our  time  only  in  fucli 
things  as  are  confident  with  perfect  wifdom 
and  goodnefs. 

Building  houfes  fuitable  to  dwell  in,  for 
ourf  elves  and  our  creatures  ;  preparing  cloath- 
ing  fuitable  for  the  climate  and  feaibn,  and 
food  convenient,  are  all  duties  incumbent 
on  us  :  and  under  thefe  general  heads,  are 
branches  of  buliaefs,  in  which  we 

may 


ii2     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

may  venture  health  and  life,  as  neceflity  may 
require. 

This  difeafe  being  in  a  houfe,  and  my 
bufmeis  calling  me  to  go  near  it,  it  incites 
me  to  think,  whether  this  buiinefs  is  a  real 
indifpenfible  duty  ;  whether  it  is  not  in  con- 
formity to  fome  cuftom,  which  would  be 
better  laid  afide  ;  or,  whether  it  does  not 
proceed  from  too  eager  a  purfuit  after  fome 
outward  treafure.  If  the  bufinefs  before  me 
fprings  not  from  a  clear  underftanding,  and 
a.  regard  to  that  ufe^pf  things  which  perfect 
wifdom  approves  ;  to  be  brought  to  a  fenfe 
of  it,  and  flopped  in  my  purfuit,  is  a  kind- 
nefs  ;  for  when  I  proceed  to  bufinefs  with- 
out fome  evidence  of  duty,  I  have  found,  by 
experience,  that  it  tends  to  weaknefs* 

If  I  am  fo  fituated  that  there  appears  no 
probability  of  mimng  the  infection,  it  tends 
to  make  me  think,  whether  my  manner  of 
life,  in  things  outward,  has  nothing  in  it 
which  may  unfit  my  body  to  receive  this 
meffenger  in  a  way  the  mod  favourable  to 
me.  Do  I  ufe  food  and  drink  in  no  other 
fort,  and  in  no  other  degree,  than  was  de- 
figned  by  Him,  who  gave  thefe  creatures  for 
our  fciftenance  ?  Do  I  never  abufe  my  body 
by  inordinate  labour,  flriving  to  accompliih 
fome  end  which  I  have  unwifely  propofed  ? 
Do  I  ufe  action  enough  in  fome  ufeful  em- 
ploy ?  Or,  clo  I  fit  too-  much  idle,  while  fome 
peiibns,  who  labour  to  fupport  me,  have  too 
great  a  ihare  of  it  ?  If,  in  any  of  thefe 

things, 


OF  JOHN  WOOL  MAN.    113 

things j  I  am  deficient,  to  be  incited  to  con-» 
fider  it,  is  a  favour  to  me. 

There  is  employ  neceffary  in  focial  life  ; 
and  this  infection,  which  often  proves  mor- 
tal, incites  me  to  think,  whether  thefe  focial 
acts  of  mine  are"  real  duties :  if  I  go  on  a 
viiit  to  the  widows  and  fatherlefs,  do  I  go 
purely  on  a  principle  of  charity,  free  from 
any  felnih  views  ?  If  I  go  to  a  religious 
meeting,  it  puts  me  on  thinking,  whether  I  go 
in  fmcerity  and  in  a  clear  fenle  of  duty  ;  or 
whether  it  is  not  parser  in  conformity  to 
cuftom,  or  partly  from  a  fenlible  delight 
which  my  animal  fpirits  feel  in  the  com- 
pany of  other  people  ;  and  whether  to  flip- 
port  my  reputation  as  a  religious  man,  has 
no  fhare  in  it. 

Do  affairs,  relating  to,  civil  fociety,  call 
me  near  this  infection  ?  If  I  go,  it  is  at  the 
hazard  of  my  health  and  life ;  and  becomes  me 
to  think  feriouily,  whether  love  to  truth  and 
righteoufiiefs  is  the  motive  of  my  attending  ; 
whether  the  manner  of  proceeding,  is  alto- 
gether equitable  ;  or  whether  aught  of  nar- 
rowiiefs,  party  inter  eft,  refpect  to  outward 
dignities,  names,  or  diftinctions  among  men, 
do  not  (lain  the  beauty  of  thofe  affemblies, 
and  render  it  doubtful,  in  point  of  duty, 
whether  a  difciple  of  Chrift  ought  to  attend 
as  a  member  united  to  the  body  or  not. 

Whenever  there  are  blcmifhes  which,  for 
a  feries  of  time,  remain  fuch  ;  that  which 
is  a  means  of  ftirring  us  up  to  look  atten- 
tively on  thefe  blemiihes,  and  to  labour  ac- 
I  cording 


ii4    THE  LIFE   A*D   TRAVELS 

cording  to  our  capacities,  to  have  health  and 
foundnefs  reflored  in  our  country,  we  may 
juftly  account  a  kindnefs  from  our  gracious 
Father,  who  appointed  that  mean; 

The  care  of  a  wife  and  good  man  for 
his  only  fon^  is  inferior  to  the  regard  of  the 
great  Parent  of  the  univerfe  for  his  creatures. 
He- hath  the  command  of  all  the  powers  and 
operations  in  nature  ;  and  "  doth  not  afflict 
willingly,  nor  grieve  the  children  of  men :" 
chaftifement  is  intended  for  inflrudlion,  and 
inftruclion  being  received  by  gentle  chaftiie- 
ment, greater  calamities  are  prevented. 
.  By  an  earthquake  hundreds  of  houfes  are 
fometimes  fhaken  down  in  a  few  minutes  $ 
and  multitudes  of  people  perifh  fuddenly  ; 
and  many  more  being  crufhed  and  bruifed  in 
the  ruins  of  the  buildings,  pine  away  and 
die  in  great  mifery. 

By  the  breaking  in  of  enraged  mercilefs 
armies,  flourifhing  countries  have  been  laid 
wafte, .  and  great  numbers  of  people  perifhed 
in  a  ihort  time,  and  many  more  prefled  with 
poverty  and  grief. 

By  the  peftilence  people  have  died  fo  fafl 
in  a  city,  that  through  fear,  grief  and  con- 
fufion,  thofe  in  health  have  found  great  dif- 
ficulty in  burying  the  dead,  even  without 
coffins. 

By  famine,  great  numbers  of  people,  in 
fome  places,  have  been  brought  to  the  ut- 
molt  diflrefs,  and  pined  away  for  want  of 
the  neceflaries  of  life.  Thus,  where  the  kind 
invitations,  and  gentle  chailifements,  of  a 

gracious 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     115 

gracious  God  have  not  been  attended  to,  his 
fore  judgments  have,  at  times,  been  poured 
out  upon  people. 

While  fbrrie  rules  approved  in  civil  fo- 
eiety,  and  conformable  to  human  policy,  fo 
called,  are  diftinguiihable  from  the  purity  of 
truth  and  righteoufnefs  :  while  many  pro- 
fefling  truth,  are  declining  from  that  ardent 
love  and  heavenly  mindednefs,  which  was 
amongfl  the  primitive  followers  of  Jefus 
Chrifk :  it  is  a  time  for  us  to  attend  diligent- 
ly to  the  intent  of  every  chaftifement,  and 
coniider  the  mod  deep  and  inward  defign  of 
them; 

The  Mod  High  doth  not  often  fpeak  with 
an  outward  voice  to  our  outward  ears  ;  but, 
if  we  humbly  meditate  on  his  perfections, 
confider  that  he  is  perfect  wifdom  and  good- 
nefs,  and  to  afflict  his  creatures  to  ho  pur- 
pofe,  would  be  utterly  reverfe  to  his  nature, 
we  mall  hear  and  underftand  his  language, 
both  in  his  gentle  and  more  heavy  chaftife- 
ments ;  and  take  heed  that  we  do  not,  in  the 
wifdom  of  this  world;  endeavour  to  efcape 
his  hand  by  means  too  powerful  for  us. 

Had  he  endowed  men  with  underflanding 
to  hinder  the  force  of  this  difeafe  by  inno- 
cent means,  which  had  never  proved  mor- 
tal nor  hurtful  to  our  bodies,  fuch  difcovery 
might  be  coniidered  as  the  period  of  chaftife- 
ment by  this  diftemper,  where  that  know- 
ledge extended  :  but  as  life  and  health  are 
his  gifts,  and  not  to  be  difpofed  of  in  our 
own  wills,  to  take  upon  us,  when  in  health, 
I  2  a  diftemper 


Hi 6    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

a  diftemper,  of  which  fome  die,  requires 
great  clearnefs  of  knowledge,  that  it  is  our 
duty  to  do  fo. 


CHAP,      VII. 

His  vifit)  in  company  ivith  Samuel  JLajlbitrn, 
to  Long-IJland,  Rhode- Ijl and ^  Bojiony  &v. 
in  New-England  —  Remarks  on  the  Jlave- 
trade  at  Newport^  and  his  exercife  on  that 
account ;  alfo  on  lotteries — Some  obfervations 
on  the  ifland  of  Nantucket. 

HAVING,  for  fome.  time  pad,  felt  a 
fympathy  in  my  mind  with  friends 
Eaftward,  I  opened  my  concern  in  our  month- 
ly-meeting ;  and,  obtaining  a  certificate,  fet 
forward  on  the  feventeenth  day  of  the  fourth 
month,  in  the  year  1760,  joining  in  com- 
pany, by  a  previous  agreement,  with  my  be- 
loved friend  Samuel  Eaftburn.  We  had  meet- 
ings at  Woodbridgc,  Rahaway  and  Plain- 
field  ;  and  were  at  their  monthly-meeting  of 
minifters  and  elders  in  Rahavray.  We  la- 
boured under  ibme  difcouragement  ;  but, 
through  the  inviiible  power  of  truth,  our  vi- 
iit  was  made  reviving  to  the  lowly  minded, 
with  whom  I  felt  a  near  unity  of  ipirit,  be- 
ing 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     117 

ing  much  reduced  in  my  mind.  We  pafTed 
on,  and  vifited  chief  of  the  meetings  on 
Long-Ifland.  It  was  my  concern,  from  day 
to  day,  to  lay  no  more  nor  lefs  than  what 
the  fpirit  of  truth  opened  in  me,  being  jea- 
lous over  myfelf,  left  I  fliould  fpeak  any 
thing  to  make  my  teflimony  look  agreeable 
10  that  mind  in  people,  which  is  not  in  pure 
obedience  to  the  crofs  of  Chrift. 

The  {pring  of  the  mini  (try  was  often  low ; 
and,  through  the  fubjecling  power  of  truth, 
we  were  kept  low  with  it ;  and  from  place  to 
place,  fuch  whofe  hearts  were  truly  concern- 
ed for  the  caufe  of  Chrifl,  appeared  to  be 
comforted  in  our  labours  ;  and,  though  it 
was  in  general  a  time  of  abafement  of  the 
creature,  yet,  through  His  goodnefs,  who 
is  a  helper  of  the  poor,  we  had  fame  truly 
edifying  feafons  both  in  meetings,  and  in  fa- 
milies w^here  we  tarried  ;  and  fometimes 
found  flrength  to  labour  earneftly  with  the 
unfaithful,  efpecially  with  thofe,  whofe  fla- 
tion  in  families,  or  in  the  fociety  was  fuch, 
that  their  example  had  a  powerful  tendency 
to  open  the  way  for  others  to  go  afide  from 
the  purity  and  foundnefs  of  the  blefled 
truth.  At  Jericho,  on  Long-Ifland,  I  wrote 
liome  as  follows  ; 


ii8     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

24th  of  the  4th  month,  1760. 

Dearly  beloved  wife, 

"  \X7E  are  favoured  with  health ;  have  been 
at  fundry  meetings  in  Eaft-Jerfey, 
and  on  this  ifland :  my  mind  hath  been 
much  in  an  inward  watchful  frame  fince  I 
left  thee,  greatly  defiring  that  our  proceed- 
ings may  t>e  fingly  in  the  will  of  our  hea- 
venly Father." 

'  As  the  prefent  appearance  of  things  is 
not  joyous,  I  have  been  much  fhut  up  from 
outward  chearfulnefs,  remembering  that  pro- 
mife,  "  Then  fhalt  thou  delight  thyfelf  in 
the  Lord  :" — as  this,  from  day  to  clay,  has 
been  revived  in  my  memory,  I  have  confi- 
dered  that  his  internal  prefence  on  our  minds, 
is  a  delight  of  all  others  the  mod  pure ;  and 
that  the  honeft-hearted  not  only  delight  in 
this,  but  in  the  effect  of  it  upon  them.  He 
who  regards  the  helplefs  and  diftreffed,  and 
reveals  his  love  to  his  children  under  afflic- 
tion, they  delight  in  beholding  his  benevo- 
lence, and  feeling  divine  charity  moving  up- 
on them  :  of  this  I  may  fpeak  a  little ;  for 
though,  lince  I  left  you,  I  have  often  found 
an  engaging  love  and  affection  toward  thee 
and  my  daughter,  and  friends  about  home, 
that  going  out  at  this  time,  when  ficknefs  is 
fo  great  amongft  you,  is  a  trial  upon  me  ; 

'yet 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     119 

yet  I  often  remember  there  are  many  wi- 
dows and  fatherlefs,  many  who  have  poor 
tutors,  many  who  have  evil  examples  before 
them,  and  many  whofe  minds  are  in  capti-» 
vity,  for  whofe  fake  my  heart  is,  at  times, 
moved  with  companion,  that  I  feel  my  mind 
refigned  to  leave  you  for  a  feafon,  to  exercife 
that  gift  which  the  Lord  hath  beftowed  on 
me  ;  which,  though  fmall,  compared  with 
fome,  yet  in  this  I  rejoice,  that  I  feel  love 
unfeigned  toward  my  fellow-creatures.  I 
recommend  you  to  the  Almighty,  who,  I 
truft  cares  for  you ;  and  under  a  fenfe  of  his 
Jieavenly  love,  remain" 

"  Thy  loving  hufband," 

"  J.  W ," 

We  crofTed  from  the  eaft  end  of  Long- 
Jfland  to  New-London,  about  thirty  miles, 
in  a  large  open  boat ;  while  we  were  out,  the 
wind  rifing  high,  the  waves  fever al  times 
beat  over  us,  that  to  me  it  appeared  danger- 
ous ;  but  my  mind  was,  at  that  time,  turn- 
ed to  Him,  who  made  and  governs  the  deep, 
and  my  life  was  refigned  to  him:  and  as  he 
was  mercifully  pleafed  to  preferve  us,  I  had 
frefh  occafion  to  confider  every  day  as  a  day 
lent  to  me ;  and  felt  a  renewed  engagement 
to  devote  my  time,  and  all  I  had,  to  Him 
who  gave  it. 

We  had  five  meetings  in  Narraganfet ;  and 
thence  to  Newport  on  Rhode-Ifland. 

Our 


120    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

Our  gracious  Father  preferred  us  in  an  hum- 
ble dependance  on  him  through  deep  exer- 
cifes,  that  were  mortifying  to  the  creaturely 
will.  In  feveral  families  in  the  country, 
where  we  lodged,  I  felt  an  engagement  on 
my  mind  to  have  a  conference  with  them  in 
private  concerning  their  flaves ;  and,  thro* 
divine  aid,  I  was  favoured  to  give  up  there- 
to :  though,  in  this  concern,  I  appear  fin- 
gular  from  many,  whofe  fervice  in  travelling, 
I  believe,  is  greater  than  mine  ;  I  do  not 
think  hard  of  them  for  omitting  it;  I  do 
not  repine  at  having  fo  unpleafant  a  talk  af- 
figned  me,  but  look  with  awfulnefs  to  Him, 
who  appoints  to  his  fervants  their  refpeclive 
employments,  and  is  good  to  all  who  ferve 
him  fmcerely. 

We  got  to  Newport'  in  the  evening  :  and 
on  the  next  day  vifited  two  fick  perfons,  and 
had  comfortable  fittings  with  them  ;  and  in 
the  afternoon  attended  the  burial  of  a  friend. 

The  next  day  we  were  at  meetings  at 
Newport,  in  the  forenoon  and  afternoon  ; 
where  the  fpring  of  the  miniftry  was  opened, 
and  flrength  given  to  declare  the  Word  of 
Life  to  the  people. 

The  next  day  we  went  on  our  journey  ;  but 
the  great  number  of  flaves  in  thefe  parts, 
and  the  continuance  of  that  trade  from  thence 
to  Guinea,  made  deep  impreilion  on  me  ;  and 
my  cries  were  often  put  up  to  my  heavenly 
Father  in  fecret,  that  he  would  enable  me  to 
difcharge  my  duty  faithfully,  in  f'uch  way 
as  he  might  be  pleafed  to  point  out  to  me. 

We 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      121 

We  took  Swanfea,  Freetown,  and  Tanton, 
in  our  way  to  Boflon  ;  where  alfo  we  had  a 
meeting ;  our  exercife  was  deep,  and  the  love 
of  truth  prevailed,  for  which  I  blefs  the 
Lord.  We  went  eaflward  about  eighty  miles 
beyond  Boflon,  taking  meetings,  and  were 
in  a  good  degree  preferred  in  an  humble  de- 
pendance  on  that  arm  which  drew  us  out ; 
and,  though  we  had  fome  hard  labour  with 
the  difobedient,  laying  things  home  and  clofe 
to  fuch  as  were  flout  againit  the  truth  ;  yet, 
thro'  the  goodnefs  of  God,  we  had,  at  times, 
to  partake  of  heavenly  comfort  with  them  who 
were  meek,  and  were  often  favoured  to  part 
with  friends  in  the  nearnefs  of  true  gofpel  fel* 
lowihip.  We  returned  to  Boflon,  and  had 
another  comfortable  opportunity  with  friends 
there  ;  and  thence  rode  back  a  day's  journey 
eaflward  of  Boflon  ;  our  guide  being  a  heavy 
man,  and  the  weather  hot,  and  my  companion 
and  I  confideryig  it,  exprefled  our  freedom  to 
go  on  without  him,  to  which  he  contented, 
and  we  respectfully  took  our  leave  of  him ;  this 
we  did,  as  believing  the  journey  would  have 
been  hard  to  him  and  his  horfe. 

We  vifited  the  meetings  in  thofe  parts,  and 
were  meafurably  baptized  into  a  feeling  of 
the  ftate  of  the  fociety ;  and  in  bowedneis  of 
fpirit  went  to  the  yearly-meeting  at  New- 
port ;  where  I  underflood  that  a  large  num- 
ber of  fiaves  were  imported  from  Africa  into 
that  town,  and  then  on  fale,  by  a  member  of 
our  fociety.  At  this  meeting  we  met  with 
John  Storer  from  England,  Elizabeth  Ship- 
ley, 


122     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

ley,  Ann  Gaunt,  Hannah  Fofter,  and  Mercy 
Redman  from  our  parts,  all  minifters  of  the 
gofpel,  of  whofe  company  I  was  glad. 

At  tliis  time  my  appetite  failed,  and  I 
grew  outwardly  weak,  and  had  a  feeling  of 
the  condition  of  Habbakuk,  as  there  ex- 
pelled. "  When  I  heard  my  belly  trembled, 
pay  lips  quivered,  I  trembled  in  myfelf  that  I 
might  reft  in  phe  day  of  trouble  ;"  I  had  ma- 
ny cogitations,  and  was  forely  diftreffed :  and 
was  defirous  that  friends  might  petition  the 
legiflature,  to  ufe  their  endeavours  to  difcou- 
rage  the  future  importation  of  flaves  ;  for  I 
law  that  this  trade  was  a  great  evil,  and 
tended  to  multiply  troubles,  and  bring  dif- 
trefles  on  the  people  in  thole  parts,  for  whole 
welfare  my  heart  was  deeply  concerned. 

But  I  perceived  feveral  difficulties  in  regard 
to  petitioning ;  and  fuch  was  the  exerciie  of 
my  mind,  that  I  had  thought  of  endeavour- 
ing to  get  an  opportunity  tp  fpeak  a  few 
words  in  the  Houie  of  Affembly,  then  fetting 
in  town.  This  exerciie  came  upon  me  in  the 
afternoon,  on  the  fecond  day  of  the  yearly- 
meeting,  and  going  to  bed,  I  got  no  fleep 
till  my  mind  was  wholly  religned  therein; 
and  in  the  morning  I  enquired  of  a  friend 
how  long  the  Ailembly  were  likely  to  conti- 
nue fitting  ;  who  told  me,  they  were  expect- 
ed to  be  prorogued  that  day  or  the  next. 

As  I  was  deiirous  to  attend  the  buiinefs  of 
the  meeting,  and  perceived  the  Aflembly 
were  likely  to  depart  before  the  buiinefs  was 
over  ;  after  confiderable  exercife,  humbly 

feeking 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      123 

feeking  to  the  Lord  for  infhruclion,  my  mind 
fettled  to  attend  on  the  bufinefs  of  the  meet^- 
ing;  on  the  laft  day  of  which,  I  had  pre^ 
pared  a  fhort  eiTay  of  a  petition  to  be  pre- 
fented  tq  the  legiflature,  if  way  opened  :  and 
being  informed  that  there  were  fome  ap- 
pointed, by  that  yearly-meeting,  to  fpeak 
with  thofe  in  authority,  in  cafes  relating  to 
the  fociety,  I  opened  my  mind  to  feveral  of 
them,  and  mewed  them  the  effay  I  had  made; 
and  afterward  opened  the  cafe  in  the  meet- 
ing for  bufinefs,  in  fubftance  as  follows  : 

"  I  have  been  under  a  concern  for  fome 
time,  on  account  of  the  great  number  of 
ilaves  which  are  imported  into  this  colony ;  I 
am  aware  that  it  is  a  tender  point  to  fpeak  to, 
but  apprehend  I  am  not  clear  in  the  light  of 
heaven  without  fpeaking  to  it.  I  have  pre- 
pared an  eflay  of  a  petition,  if  way  open,  to 
be  prefented  to  the  legiflature  ;  and  what  I 
have  to  propofe  to  this  meeting  is,  that  fome 
friends  may  be  named  to  withdraw  and  look 
over  it,  and  report  whether  they  believe  it 
fuitable  to  be  read  in  the  meeting  ;  if  they 
{hould  think  well  of  reading  it,  it  will  re- 
piain  for  the  meeting,  after  hearing  it,  to 
confider,  whether  to  take  any  farther  notice 
of  it  as  a  meeting  or  not."  After  a  fhort  con- 
ference fome  friends  went  out,  and  looking 
over  it,  exprefled  their  willingnefs  to  have  it 
read  ;  which  being  done,  many  expreiTed 
their  unity  with  the  propofal  ;  and  fome  fig- 
ntfied,  that  to  have  the  fubjects  of  the  peti- 
tion enlarged  upon,  and  to  be  figned  out  of 

meeting 


124      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

meeting  by  fuch  who  were  free,  would  be 
more  iuitable  than  to  do  it  there  :  though 
I  expected  at  firft,  that  if  it  was  done  it 
would  be  in  that  way ;  yet,  fuch  was  the  ex- 
ercife  of  my  mind,  that  to  move  it  in  the 
hearing  of  friends  when  afTernbled,  appeared 
to  me  as  a  duty ;  for  my  heart  yearned  to- 
ward the  inhabitants  of  thefe  parts ;  believ- 
ing that  by  this  trade  there  had  been  an  in- 
creafe  of  inquietude  amongft  them,  and  a  way 
made  eafy  for  the  fpreading  of  a  fpirit  oppo- 
iite  to  that  meeknefs  and  humility,  which  is 
a  fure  refling-place  for  the  foul :  and  that  the 
continuance  of  this  trade  would  not  only 
render  their  healing  more  difficult,  but  in- 
creafe  their  malady. 

Having  thus  far  proceeded,  I  felt  eafy  to 
leave  the  eflay  amongft  friends,  for  them  to 
proceed  in  it  as  they  believed  beft.  And 
now  an  exercife  revived  on  my  mind  in 
relation  to  lotteries,  which  were  common  in 
thofe  parts :  I  had  once  moved  it  in  a  former 
fitting  of  this  meeting,  when  arguments 
were  ufed  in  favour  of  friends  being  held  ex- 
cufed,  who  were  only  concerned  in  fuch  lot- 
teries as  were  agreeable  to  law :  and  now  on 
moving  it  again,  it  was  oppofed  as  before  ; 
but  the  hearts  of  fome  folid  friends  appeared 
to  be  united  to  difcourage  the  practice  a- 
mongft  their  members ;  and  the  matter  was 
zealouily  handled  by  fome  on  both  fides.  In 
this  debate  it  appeared  very  clear  to  me,  that 
the  fpirit  of  lotteries  was  a  fpirit  of  feLfkfti- 
riefs,  which  tended  to  confufion  and  ^ark- 

/  nefs 


0?    JOHN    WOOLMAN.      125 

nefs  of  under  ft  anding ;  and  that  pleading  for 
it  in  our  meetings,  let  apart  for  the  Lord's 
work,  was  not  right :  and  in  the  heat  of  zeal, 
I  once  made  reply  to  what  an  antient  friend 
faid,  which  when  I  fat  down,  I  faw  that  my 
words  were  not  enough  feafoned  with  chari- 
ty; and  after  this,  I  fpake  no  more  on  the 
fubject.  At  length  a  minute  was  made ;  a 
copy  of  which  was  agreed  to  be  fent  to  their 
feveral  quarterly-meetings,  inciting  friends 
to  labour  to  difcourage  the  practice  ainongft 
all  profemng  with  us. 

Some  time  after  this  minute  was  made,  I 
remaining  uneafy  with  the  manner  of  my 
fpeaking  to  the  antient  friend,  could  not  fee 
my  way  clear  to  conceal  my  uneafinefs,  but 
was  concerned  that  I  might  fay  nothing  to 
weaken  the  caufe  in  which  I  had  laboured  : 
and  then,  after  fome  clofe  exercife  and  hearty 
repentance,  for  that  I  had  not  attended  clofe- 
iy  to  the  iafe  guide,  I  flood  up,  and  reciting 
the  paffage,  acquainted  friends,  that  tho'  I 
dare  not  go  from  what  I  had  fkid  as  to  the 
matter,  yet  I  was  uneafy  with  the  manner 
of  my  fpeaking,  as  believing  milder  lan- 
guage would  have  been  better.  As  this  was 
uttered  in  fome  degree  of  creaturely  abafe- 
ment,  it  appeared  to  have  a  good  favor 
amongfl  us,  after  a  warm  debate. 

The  yearly-meeting  being  now  over,  there 
yet  remained  on  my  mind  a  fecret,  though 
heavy,  exercife  in  regard  to  fome  leading  ac- 
tive members  about  Newport,  being  in  the 
practice  of  ilavo-keeping.  This  I  mentioned 

to 


126     THE  LIFE  ARD  TRAVELS 

to  two  antient  friends,  who  came  out  of  the 
country,  and  propofed  to  them,  if  way 
openedj  to  have  fome  converfation  with 
thofe  friends  :  and  thereupon,  one  of  thofe 
country  friends  and  I,  confulted  one  of  the: 
moft  noted  elders  who  had  flaves ;  and  he,  in 
a  refpeclful  manner,  encouraged  me  to  pro- 
ceed to  clear  myfelf  of  what  lay  upon  me. 
Now  I  had,  near  the  beginning  of  the  yearly- 
meeting,  a  private  conference  with  this  faid 
elder  and  his  wife,  concerning  theirs;  fo  that 
the  way  feemed  clear  to  me,  to  advife  with 
him  about  the  manner  of  proceeding  :  I  told 
him,  I  was  free  to  have  a  conference  with 
them  all  together  in  a  private  houfe  ;  or  if 
he  thought  they  would  take  it  unkind  to  be 
afked  to  come  together,  and  to  be  fpoke  with 
one  in  the  hearing  of  another,  I  was  free  to 
fpend  fome  time  among  them,  and  vifit  them 
all  in  their  own  houfes  :  he  exprefled  his  lik- 
ing to  the  firft  propofal,  not  doubting  their 
willingnefs  to  come  together  :  and  as  I  pro- 
pofed  a  vilit  to  only  ministers,  elders,  and 
overfeers  ;  he  named  fome  others,  whom  he 
deiired  might  be  prefent  alfo  :  and  as  a  care- 
ful melfenger  was  wanted  to  acquaint  them 
in  a  proper  manner,  he  offered  to  go  to  all 
their  houfes  to  open  the  matter  to  them ;  and 
did  fo.  About  the  eighth  hour  the  next 
morning,  we  met  in  the  meeting-houfe  cham- 
ber, and  the  1  aft-mentioned  country  friend ^ 
alfo  my  companion,  and  John  Storer,  with 
us  ;  when,  after  a  fhort  time  of  retirement, 
I  acquainted  them  with  the  fteps  I  had  taken 

in 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN;      127 

in  procuring  that  meeting,  and  opened  thd 
concern  I  was  under  ;  and  fo  we  proceeded 
to  a  free  conference  upon  the  fubjecl.  My 
exercife  was  heavy,  and  I  was  deeply  bowed 
in  fpirit  before  the  Lord,  who  was  pleafed  to 
favour  with  the  feafoning  virtue  of  truth, 
which  wrought  a  tendernefs  amongfl  us  ;  and 
the  fubjecl:  was  mutually  handled  in  a  calm 
and  peaceable  fpirit :  and,  at  length,  feeling 
my  mind  releafed  from  that  burthen  which 
I  had  been  under j  I  took  my  leave  of  them, 
in  a  good  degree  of  fatisfaclion  ;  and  by  the 
tendernefs  they  manifefled  in  regard  to  the 
practice,  and  the  concern  feveral  of  them  ex- 
prefled  in  relation  to  the  manner  of  difpofing 
of  their  negroes  after  their  deceafe,  I  believ- 
ed that  a  good  exercife  was  fpreading  amongft 
them  ;  and  I  am  humbly  thankful  to  God, 
who  fup  ported  my  mind,  and  preferved  me 
in  a  good  degree  of  resignation  through  thefe 
trials. 

Thou,  who  fometiines  travels  in  the  work 
of  the  miniflry,  and  art  made  very  welcome 
by  thy  friends,  feeft  many  tokens  of  their 
fatisfaclion,  in  having  thee  for  their  gueih 
It  is  good  for  thee  to  dwell  deep,  that  thoit 
mayeft  feel  and  underftand  the  fpirits  of  peo- 
ple :  if  we  believe  truth  points  towards  a  con- 
ference on  fome  fubjecls,  in  a  private  way, 
it  is  needful  for  us  to  take  heed  that  their 
kindnefs,  their  freedom  and  affability,  do 
not  hinder  us  from  the  Lord's  work.  I  have 
feen,  that  in  the  midft  of  kindnefs  and  fmooth 
condudl,  to  fpeak  clofe  and  home  to  them 

who 


123      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

who  entertain  us,  on  points  that  relate  to 
their  outward  interefl,  is  hard  labour  ;  and 
fometimes,  when  I  have  felt  truth  lead  to- 
ward it,  I  have  found  my f elf  dif qualified  by 
a  fuperficial  friendfhip  ;  and  as  the  fenie 
thereof  hath  abated  me,  and  my  cries  have 
been  to  the  Lord,  ib  I  have  been  humbled 
and  made  content  to  appear  weak,  or  as  a 
fool  for  his  fake ;  and  thus  a  door  hath  open- 
ed to  enter  upon  it.  To  attempt  to  do  the 
Lord's  work  in  our  own  way,  and  to  fpeak 
of  that  which  is  the  burthen  of  the  word, 
in  a  way  eafy  to  the  natural  part,  doth 
not  reach  the  bottom  of  the  diforder.  To 
fee  the  failings  of  our  friends,  and  think 
hard  of  them,  without  opening  that  which 
we  ought  to  open,  and  flill  carry  a  face  of 
friendihip,  this  tends  to  undermine  the  foun- 
dation of  true  unity. 

The  office  of  a  minifter  of  Chrift  is  weigh- 
ty; and  they  who  now  go  forth  as  watch-* 
men,  had  need  to  be  fleadily  on  their  guard 
againft  the  fnares  of  profperity  and  an  out* 
(ide  friendship. 

After  the  yearly-meeting,  we  were  at 
meetings  at  Newtown,  Cufhnet,  Long-Plain, 
Rocheiler  and  Dartmouth  :  from  thence  we 
failed  for  Nantucket,  in  company  with  Ann 
Gaunt  and  Mercy  Redman,  and  ieveral  other 
friends :  the  wind  being  flack,  we  only  reached 
Tarpawling  Cove  the  firfl  day ;  where,  going 
on  fhorc,  we  found  room  in  a  publick-houfe, 
and  beds  for  a  few  of  us,  the  reft  fleeping 
on  the  floor  :  we  went  on  board  again  about 

break 


ofr     JOHN    WOOLMAN.    129 

break  of  day  ;  and  though  the  wind  was 
frnall,  we  were  favoured  to  come  within  about 
four  miles  of  Nantucket ;  and  then  about  ten 
of  us  getting  into  our  boat,  we  rowed  to  the 
harbour  before  (lark  ;  whereupon  a  large 
;  boat  going  off,  brought  in.  the  reft  of  the  paf- 
fengers  about  midnight:  the  next*  day  but 
one  was  their  yearly-meeting,  which  held 
four  days  ;  the  laft  of  which,  was  their  month- 
ly-meeting for  bufinefs.  We  had  a  labori- 
ous time  amongft  them  ;  our  minds  were 
clofely  exercifed,  and  I  believe  it  was  a  time 
of  great  fearching  of  heart :  the  longer  I  was 
on  the  iiland,  the  more  I  became  fenfible 
that  there  was  a  confiderable  number  of  va- 
luable friends  there,  though  an  evil  fpirit, 
tending  to  ftrife,  had  been  at  work  amongft 
them  :  I  was  cautious  of  making  any  vilits, 
but  as  my  mind  was  particularly  drawn  to 
them ;  and  in  that  way  we  had  fome  fittings 
in-  friends  houfes,  where  the  heavenly  wing 
was,  at  times,  fpread  over  us,  to  our  mutu- 
al comfort. 

My  beloved  companion  had  very  accepta- 
ble fervice  on  this  iiland. 

When  meeting  was  over,  we  all  agreed  to 
fail  the  next  day,  if  the  weather  was  fuit- 
able  and  we  well ;  and  being  called  up  the 
latter  part  of  the  night,  we  went  on  board  a 
yeiTel,  being  in  all  about  fifty ;  but  the  wind 
changing,  the  feamen  thought  beft  to  ftay  in 
the  harbour  till  it  altered ;  fo  we  returned  on 
/hore  :  and  feeling  clear  as  to  any  further  vi- 
fits,  I  fpent  my  time  in  our  chamber  chiefly 
K  alone ; 


130      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

alone;  and  after  fome  hours,  my  heart  be- 
ing filled  with  the  fpirit  of  fupplication,  my 
prayers  and  tears  were  poured  out  before 
my  heavenly  Father,  for  his  help  and  in- 
f  traction  in  the  manifold  difficulties  which 
attended  me  in  life :  and  while  I  was  wait- 
ing upon  the  Lord,  there  came  a  mefTenger" 
from  the -women  friends,  who  lodged  at  ano- 
ther houfe,  defiring  to  confer  with  us  about 
appointing  a  meeting,  which  to  me  appeared 
weighty,  as  we  had  been  at  fo  many  before ; 
but  after  a  ihort  conference,  and  advifing 
with  fome  elderly  friends,  a  meeting  was 
appointed,  in  which  the  friend,  who  firft 
moved  it,  and  who  had  been  much  fhut  up 
before,  was  largely  opened  in  the  love  of  the 
gofpel :  and  the  next  morning,  about  break 
of  day,  going  again  on  board  the  veflel,  we 
reached  Falmouth  on  the  Main  before  night ; 
where  our  horfes  being  brought,  we  pro- 
ceeded toward  Sandwich  quarterly-meeting. 

Being  two  days  in  going  to  Nantucket, 
and  having  been  there  once  before,  I  obferved 
many  ihoals  in  their  bay,  which  make  fail- 
ing more  dangerous,  efpecially  in  ftormy 
nights  ;  alfo,  that  a  great  fhoal,  which  en- 
cfeles  their  harbour,  prevents  their  going 
in  writh  floops,  except  when  the  tide  is 
-up;  waiting  without  which,  for  the  rifing 
of  the  tide,  is  fometimes  hazardous  in  ftorms : 
waiting  within,  they  fometimes  mifs  a  fair 
wind.  I  took  notice,  that  on  that  final! 
iflaTO  was  a  great  number  of  inhabitants, 
and  the  foil  not  very  fertile  j  the  timber  fo 

gone, 


o*    JOHN    WO  OEM  AN.     131 

gone,  that  for  veiTels,  fences,  and  firewood^ 
they  depend  chiefly  on  the  buying  from 
the  Main  ;  the  coft  whereof,  with  moil  of 
their  other  expences,  they  depend  principally 
upon  the  whale  fiihery  to  anfwer.  I  conii- 
dered,  that  as  towns  grew  larger,  and  lands 
near  navigable  waters  more  cleared,  timber 
and  wood  would  require  more  labour  to  get 
it :  I  understood  that  the  whales  being  much 
hunted,  and  fometimes  wounded  and  not 
killed,  grew  more  my  and  difficult  to  come 
at:  I  considered  that  the  formation  of  the 
earth,  the  feas,  the  iflands,  bays  and  rivers, 
the  motions  of  the  winds  and  great  Waters, 
which  caufe  bars  and  fhoals  in  particular 
places,  were  all  the  works  of  Him  who  is 
perfect  wifdom  and  goodnefs  ;  and  as  people 
attend  to  his  heavenly  iirftrucTion,  and  put 
their  trufl  in  him,  he  provides  for  them  in 
all  parts,  where  he  gives  them  a  being.  And 
as  in  this  vifit  to  thefe  people,  I  felt  a  fhrong 
deftre  for  their  firm  eflabliihment  on  the  fure 
foundation ;  befides  what  was  laid  more  pub- 
lickly,  I  was  concerned  to  fpeak  with  the 
women  friends,  in  their  monthly-meeting  of 
bufinefs,  many  being  prefent ;  and  in  the 
frefh  fpring  of  pure  love,  to  open  before 
them  the  advantage,  both  inward  and  out- 
ward, of  attending  iingly  to  the  pure  guid- 
ance of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  therein  to  edu- 
cate their  children  in  true  humility,  and  the 
difufe  of  all  fuperfluities,  reminding  tjiem 
of  the  difficulties  their  hufbande  and  fons  were 
frequently  expofed  to  at  fea ;  and  that  the  more 
K.  2  plain 


132     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

plain  and  fimple  their  way  of  living  wasy 
the  lefs  need  of  running  great  hazards  to 
fupport  them  in  it ;  encouraging  the  young 
women  in  their  neat  decent  way  of  attending 
themfelves  on  the  affairs  of  the  houfe ;  {hew- 
ing, as  the  way  opened,  that  where  people 
were  truly  humble,  ufed  themfelves  to  bufi- 
nefs,  and  were  content  with  a  plain  way  of 
life,  that  it  had  ever  been  attended  with  more 
true  peace  and  calmnefs  of  mind,  than  they 
have  had  who,  afpiring  to  greatnefs  and  out- 
ward fliew,  have  grafped  hard  for  an  income 
to  fupport  themfelves  in  it :  and  as  I  ob- 
ferved,  they  had  few  or  no  Haves  amongfl 
them,  I  had  to  encoxirage  them  to  be  content 
without  them  ;  making  mention  of  the  nu- 
merous troubles  and  vexations,  which  fre- 
quently attend  the  minds  of  people,  who  de- 
pend on  flaves  to  do  their  labour. 

"VVe  attended  the  quarterly-meeting  at 
Sandwich,  in  company  with  Ann  Gaunt 
and  Mercy  Redman,  which  was  preceeded 
by  a  monthly-meeting  ;  and  in  the  whole 
I  three  days :  we  were  various  ways  exer- 
cifed  amongfl  them,  in  gofpcl  love,  accord- 
ing to  the  feveral  gifts  bellowed  on  us  ; 
raid  were,  at  times,  overlhadowed  with  the 
:.;e  of  truth,  to  the  comfort  of  the  fmcere, 
and  itirring  up  of  the  negligent.  Here  we 
parted  with  Ann  and  Mercy,  and  went  to 
Rhode-Iiland,  taking  one  meeting  in  our 
way,  which  was  a  fatisfadlory  time ;  and 
reaching  Newport  the  evening  before  their 
quarterly-meeting,  we  attended  it ;  and  after 

tfcat. 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     133 

that,  had  a  meeting  with  our  young  people, 
feparated  from  thole  of  other  focieties.  We 
went  thro'  much  labour  in  this  town ;  and 
now,  in  taking  leave  of  it,  though  I  felt  clofe 
inward  exercife  to  the  laft,  I  found  inward 
peace  ;  and  was,  in  fome  degree  comforted, 
in  a  belief,  that  a  good  number  remain 
in  that  place,  who  retain  a  fenfe  of  truth ; 
and  that  there  are  fome  young  people  at- 
tentive to  the  voice  of  the  heavenly  Shep- 
herd. The  laft  meeting,  in  which  friends 
from  the  feveral  parts  of  the  quarter  came 
together,  was  a  felecl:  meeting ;  and  through 
the  renewed  manifeftation  of  the  Father's 
love,  the  hearts  of  the  fincere  were  united  to- 
gether. 

'  That  poverty  of  fpirit  and  inward  weak- 
nefs,  with  which  I  was  much  tried  the  fore 
part  of  this  journey,  has  of  late  appeared  to 
me  as  a  difpenfation  of  kindnefs.  Appoint- 
ving  meetings,  never  appeared  more  weighty 
to  me;/ and  I  was  led  into  a  deep  fearch, 
whether  in  all  things  my  mind  was  refigned 
to  the  will  of  God ;  often  querying  with  my- 
felf,  what  mould  be  the  caufe  of  ftich  inward 
poverty  j  and  greatly  defired,  that  no  fecret 
referve  in  my  heart  might  hinder  my  accefs 
to  the  divine  fountain.  In  thefe  humbling 
times  I  was  made  watchful,  and  excited  to 
attend  the  fecret  moviiigs  of  the  heavenly 
principle  in  my  mind  which  prepared  the 
way  to  fome  duties,  that  in  more  eafy  raid 
proiperous  times  as  to  the  outward,  I  believe 
I  fhould  have  been  in  danger  of  omitting. 


jj4      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

From  Newport  we  went  to  Greenwich, 
Shanticut,  and  Warwick ;  and  were  helped 
to  labour  amongft  friends  in  the  love  of  our 
gracious  Redeemer :  and  then,  accompanied 
by  our  friend  John  Cafey  from  Newport,  we 
rode  through  Connecticut  to  Oblong,  vifited 
the  meetings  of  friends  in  tliofe  parts,  and 
thence  proceeded  to  the  quarterly-meeting  at 
Rye  woods  ;  and,  thro'  the  gracious  extend- 
ings  of  divine  help,  had  ibme  feaibning  op- 
portunities in  thofe  places:  fo  we  v  ill  ted  friends 
at  New-York  and  Flufliing  ;  and  thence  to 
Rahaway  :  and  here  our  roads  parting,  I 
took  leave  of  my  beloved  companion  and  true 
yoke-mate  Samuel  Eaftburn  ;  and  reached 
home  on  the  tenth  day  of  the  eighth  month, 
1760,  where  I  found  my  family  well:  and 
for  the  favours  and  protection  of  the  Lord, 
both  inward  and  outward,  extended  to  rne 
in  this  journey,  my  heart  is  humbled  in 
grateful  acknowledgements  ;  and  find  re-> 
newed  defires  to  dwell  and  walk  in  refigned- 
#efs  before  him. 


C  H  A  P. 


JOHN    WOOL  MAN.    135 


CHAP.      VIII. 

His  vi/its  to  Pennsylvania^  Shrewsbury  and 
Squan — His  publifhing  the  fecond  part  of  his 
confederations  on  keeping  negroes  —  The 
grounds  of  his  appearing  in  fame  re/peas 
fmgular  in  his  drefs  —  His  vifiting  the  fa- 
milies of  friends  of  Ancocas  and  Mount-Holly 
meetings  • —  His  vifits  to  the  Indians  at  We- 
haloojlng  on  the  river  Sufquehannah. 

HAVING  felt  my  mind  drawn  toward  a 
vifit  to  a  few  meetings  in  Pennfylva- 
nia,  I  was  very  defirous  to  be  rightly  in- 
ftructed  as  to  the  time  of  fetting  off:  and  on 
the  tenth  day  of  the  fifth  month,  1761,  be- 
ing the  firft  day  of  the  week,  I  went  to  Had- 
donfield  meeting,  concluding  to  feek  for  hea- 
venly inftruclion,  and  come  home  or  go  on, 
as  I  might  then  believe  beft  for  me ;  and  there, 
thro'  the  fpringing  up  of  pure  love,  I  felt  en- 
couragement, and  ib  croffed  the  river.  In  this 
vifit  I  was  at  two  quarterly  and  three  monthly- 
meetings  ;  and,  in  the  love  of  truth,  felt  my 
way  open  to  labour  with  foine  noted  friends, 
who  kept  negroes  :  and  as  I  was  favoured  to 
keep  to  the  root,  and  endeavoured  to  dif- 
charge  what  I  believed  was  required  of  me, 
I  found  inward  peace  therein,  from  time  to 
time  ;  and  thankfulnefs  of  heart  to  the  Lord, 
who  was  gracioufly  pleaied  to  be  a  guide  to 
roe. 

la 


136     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

In  the  eighth  month,  1761,  having  felt 
drawings  in  my  mind  to  vifit  friends  in  and 
about  Shrewsbury  ;  I  went  there,  and  was 
at  their  monthly-meeting,  and  their  iirll-day 
meeting ;  and  had  a  meeting  at  Squan,  and 
another  at  Squankum  ;  and,  as  way  opened, 
Jiad  conversation  with  fome  noted  friends 
concerning  their  flaves  :  and  I  returned  home 
in  a  thankful  fenfe  of  the  goodnefs  of  the 
Lord. 

From  the  care  I  felt  growing  in  me  fome 
years,  I  wrote  Considerations  on  keeping 
Negroes,  part  the  feconci ;  which  was  print- 
ed this  year,  1762.  When  the  overfeers 
the  prefs  had  done  with  it,  they  otiercd  to 
get  a  number  printed  to  be  paid  for,  out  of 
the  yearly-meeting  flock,  and  to  be  given 
away ;  but  I  being  moil  eafy  to  publiih  them 
at  my  own  expence,*  and  offering  my  reafons 
they  appeared  Satisfied.  * 

This  flock  is  the  contribution  of  the  mem- 
bers of  our  religious  fociety  in  general  j 
amongfl  whom  are  fome  who  keep  negroes, 
and  being  inclined  to  continue  them  in  Sla- 
very, are  not  likely  to  be  fatisfied  with 'thole 
books  being  Spread  amongfl  a  people  where 
many  of  the  Slaves  are  taught  to  read,  and 
efpecially  not  at  their  expence ;  and  fuch,  of- 
ten receiving  them  as  a  gift,  conceal  them  : 
But  as  they  who  make  a  purchafe,  generally 
buy  that  which  they  have  a  mind  for,  I  be- 
lieved it  befl  to  fell  them ;  expecting,  by  that 
means,  they  would  more  generally  be  read 
with  attention,  Advertifements  being  Signed 

by 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     137 

by  order  of  the  overfeers  of  the  prefs,  di- 
rected to  be  read  in  monthly-meetings  of  bu- 
jtinefs  within  our  own  yearly-meeting,  in- 
forming where  the  books  were,  and  that  the 
price  was  no  more  than  the  coft  of  printin 
and  binding  them  ;  many  were  taken  off  in. 
our  parts  ;  fome  I  fent  to  Virginia,  fome  to 
New- York,  and  fome  to  Newport,  to  my  a<; 
quaintance  there  ;  and  fome  I  kept,  expect- 
ing to  give  part  of  them  away,  where  there 
appeared  a  profpecl  of  fervice. 

In  my  youth  I  was  ufed  to  hard  labour ; 
and  though  I  was  middling  healthy,  yet  my 
nature  was  not  fitted  to  endure  ib  much  as 
many  others  :  that  being  often  weary,  I  was 
prepared  to  fympathize  with  thofe  whofe  cir- 
cumltances  in  life,  as  free  men,  required  con- 
flant  labour  to  anfwer  the  demands  of  their 
creditors  ;  and  with  others  under  oppremon. 
In  the  uneaflnefs  of  body,  which  I  have  ma- 
ny times  felt  by  too  much  labour,  not  as  a 
forced  but  a  voluntary  oppreffion,  I  have  of- 
ten been  excited  to  think  on  the  original 
caufe  of  that  oppremon,  which  is  iinpofed  on 
many  in  the  world  :  and  the  latter  part  of 
the  time  wherein  I  laboured  on  our  planta- 
tion, my  heart,  through  the  frelh  vifitations 
of  heavenly  love,  being  often  tender  ;  and 
my  leiiiire  time  frequently  fpent  in  reading 
the  life  and  doctrines  of  our  bleffed  Redeem- 
er, the  account  of  the  furFerings  of  martyrs, 
and  the  hiflory  of  the  firft  rife  of  our  fociety : 
a  belief  was  gradually  fettled  in  my  mind, 
that  if  fuch  who  had  great  eitates,  generally 

lived 


138   THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

lived  in  that  humility  and  plainnefs  which 
belongs  to  a  chriflian  life,  and  laid  much 
ealier  rents  and  interefls  on  their  lands  and 
monies,  and  thus  led  the  way  to  a  right  life 
of  things,  fo  great  a  number  of  people  might 
be  employed  in  things  ufeful,  that  labour 
both  for  men  and  other  creatures  would  need 
to  be  no  more  than  an  agreeable  employ; 
and  divers  branches  of  bufinefs,  which  ferve 
chiefly  to  pleafe  the  natural  inclinations  of 
our  minds,  and  which,  at  prefent,  feems  ne- 
ceilary  to  circulate  that  wealth  which  fome 
gather,  might,  in  this  way  of  pure  wifdom, 
be  difcontinued.  And  as  I  have  thus  confider- 
ed  thefe  things,  a  query,  at  times,  hath  arifen  : 
Do  I,  in  all  my  proceedings,  keep  to  that 
ufe  of  things  which  is  agreeable  to  univerfal 
righteoufnefs  ?  And  then  there  hath  fome  de- 
gree of  fadnefs,  at  times,  come  over  me  j  for 
that  I  accuftomed  myfelf  to  fome  things, 
which  occafioned  more  labour  than  I  believe 
divine  wifdom  intends  for  us. 

From  my  early  acquaintance  with  truth, 
I  have  often  felt  an  inward  diilrefs,  occafion- 
ed  by  the  driving  of  a  fpirit  in  me,  againft 
the  operation  of  the  heavenly  principle  ;  and 
in  this  circumflance  have  been  afFeded  with 
a  feiife  of  my  own  wretchednefs,  and  in  a 
mourning  condition  felt  earneft  longing  for 
that  divine  help,  which  brings  the  foul  into 
true  liberty  ;  and  fometimes  in  this  flate,  re- 
tiring into  private  places,  the  fpirit  cf  fup- 
plication  hath  been  given  me  ;  and  under  a 
heavenly  covering,  have  aiked  my  gracious 

Father, 


OF    JOHN     WOOLMAN.    139 

Father,  to  give  me  a  heart  in  all  things  re- 
figned  to  the  clire<5lion  of  his  wifdom,  and  in 
uttering  language  like  this,  the  thoughts  of 
my  wearing  hats  and  garments  dyed  with  a 
4ye  hurtful  to  them,  has  made  lading  im~ 
preilions  on  me. 

In  vifiting  people  of  note  in  the  fociety 
who  had  flaves,  and  labouring  with  them  in. 
brotherly  love  on  that  account,  I  have  feen, 
and  the  fight  has  affected  me,  thai:  a  con- 
formity to  fome  cuftoms,  diftinguifhable 
from  pure  wifdom,  has  entangled  many ; 
and  the  deiire  of  gain -to  fupport  thefe  cu£- 
toms,  greatly  oppofed  the  work  of  truth:  and 
fometimes  when  the  profpect  of  the  work 
before  me  has  been  fuch,  that  in  bowednefs 
of  fpirit,  I  have  been  drawn  into  retired 
places,  and  befought  the  Lord  with  tear^ 
that  he  would  take  me  wholly  under  his  di- 
rection, and  mew  me  the  way  in  which  I 
ought  to  walk ;  it  hath  revived  with  ftrength 
of  conviction,  that  if  I  would  be  his  faith- 
ful fervant,  I  mufl  in  all  things  attend  to  his 
wifdom,  and  be  teachable ;  and  fo  ceafe  from 
all  cuftoms  contrary  thereto,  however  ufed 
amongft  religious  people.  » 

As  he  is  the  perfection  of  power,  of  wif- 
dom, and  of  goodnefs ;  fo  I  believe,  he  hath 
provided,  that  fo  much  labour  mail  be  ne- 
celTary  for  men's  fupport,  in  this  world,  as 
would,  being  rightly  divided,  be  a  fuitable 
employment  of  their  time ;  and  that  we  can- 
not go  into  fuperfluities,  or  grafp  after  wealth 
in  a  way  contrary  to  his  wifdom,  without 

having 


140    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

having  connexion  with  fome  degree  of  op-« 
premon,  and  with  that  fpirit  which  leads  to 
ielf-exaltation   and    ftrife,    'and   which    fre- 
quently brings   calamities  on   countries,  by, 
parties  contending  about  their  claims. 

Being  thus  fully  convinced,  and  feeling  an 
inc rearing  deiire  to  live  in  the  fpirit  of  peace  ; 
being  often  forrowfully  affected  with  the 
thinking  on  the  unquiet  fpirit  in  which  wars 
are  generally  carried  on,  and  with  the  inife-" 
ries  of  many  of  my  fellow-creatures  engaged 
therein  ;  fome  fuddenly  deitroyed ;  fomc 
wounded,  and  after  much  pain  remain  crip- 
ples ;  fome  deprived  of  all  their  outward  fub- 
ilance,  and  reduced  to  want ;  and  fome  car- 
ried into  captivity.  Thinking  often  on  thefe 
things,  the  ufe  of  hats  and  garments  dyed 
with  a  dye  hurtful  to  them,  and  wearing  more 
cloaths  in  fmnmer  than  are  ufeful,  grew 
more  uneafy  to  me  ;  believing  them  to  be 
cuftoms  which  have  not  their  foundation  in 
pure  wifdom.  The  apprehermon  of  being 
{ingular  from  my  beloved  friends,  was  a  ftrait 
upon  me  ;  and  thus  I  remained  in  the  ufe  of 
fome  things  contrary  to  my  judgment. 

On  the  thirty-nrft  day  of  the  fifth  month, 
1761,  I  was  taken  ill  of  a  fever ;  and,  after 
having  it  near  a  week,  I  was  in  great  diflrefs 
of  body  :  and  one  day  there  was  a  cry  raif- 
ed  in  me,  that  I  might  underftand  the  caufe 
why  I  was  afflicted,  and  improve  under  it : 
and  my  conformity  to  fome  cuftoms,  which 
I  believed  were  not  right,  were  brought  to 
my  remembrance  j  and  in  the  continuation 


or    JOHN    W.  0,0  L  MAN.     i/jx 

of  the  exercife,  I  felt  all  the  powers  in  me 
yield  themfelves  up  into  the  hands  of  Him 
who  gave  me  being ;  and  was  made  thank- 
ful, that  he  had  taken  hold  of  me  by  his 
chaftifement :  feeling  the  necellity  of  further 
purifying,  there  was  now  no  defire  in  me 
for  health,  until  the  defign  of  my  Correction 
was  anfwered  ;  and  thus  I  lay  in  abafement 
and  brokennefs  of  fpirit,  and  as  I  felt  a  fink- 
ing down  into  a  calm  reiignation,  fo  I  felt, 
as  in  an  inflant,  an  inward  healing  in  my 
nature  ;  and  from  that  time  forward  I  grew 
better. 

Though  I  was  thus  fettled  in  mind  in  re- 
lation to  hurtful  dyes,  I  felt  eafy  to  wear  my 
garments  heretofore  made ;  and  fo  continued 
about  nine  months.  Then  I  thought  of  get- 
ting a  hat  the  natural  colour  of  the  furr ;  but 
the  apprehenfion.  of  being  looked  upon  as  one 
affecting  Singularity,  felt  uneafy  to  me  :  and 
here  I  had  occafion  to  coniider,  that  things, 
though  final!  in  them/elves,  being  clearly 
enjoined  by  divine  authority,  became  great 
things  to  us ;  and  I  trufled  that  the  Lord 
would  fupport  me  in  die  trials  that  might 
attend  fingularity,  while  that  fingularity  was 
only  for  his  fake  :  on  this  account,  I  was 
under  clofe  exercife  of  mind  in  the  time  of 
our  General  fpring  meeting  1762,  greatly 
defiling  to  be  rightly  directed  ;  when  being 
deeply  bowed  in  fpirit  before  the  Lord,  I  was 
made  willing  to  fubmit  to  what  I  appre- 
hended was  required  of  me ;  and  when  I 

returned 


THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

returned  home,  got  a  hat  of  the  natural  co» 
lour  of  the  furr. 

In  attending  meetings,  this  fingularity 
was  a  trial  upon  me,  and  more  efpecially  at 
this  time,  white  hats  being  ufed  by  fome 
who  were  fond  of  following  the  changeable 
modes  of  drefs  ;  and  as  foine  friends,  who 
knew  not  on  what  motives  I  wore  it,  carried 
fhy  of  me,  I  felt  my  way  for  a  time  fhut  up 
in  the  exercife  of  the  miniftry :  and  in  this 
condition,  my  mind  being  turned  toward  my 
heavenly  Father,  with  fervent  cries  that  I 
might  be  preferved  to  waJk  before  him  in  the 
meeknefs  of  wifdom,  my  heart  was  often 
tender  in  meetings  ;  and  I  felt  an  inward 
confolation,  which  to  me  was  very  precious 
under  thofe  difficulties. 

I  had  feveral  dyed  garments  fit  for  tife,  which 
I  believed  it  beft  to  wear,  till  I  had  occafion  of 
new  ones :  and  fome  friends  were  apprehen- 
five,  that  my  wearing  fuch  a  hat  favoured  of 
an  affected  fingularity :  and  fuch  who  fpake 
with  me  in  a  friendly  way,  I  generally  in-» 
formed  in  a  few  words,  that  I  believed  my 
wearing  it,  was  not  in  my  own  will.  I  had, 
at  times,  been  fenfible,  that  a  fuperficial 
friendfhip  had  been  dangerous  to  me ;  and 
many  friends  being  now  uneafy  with  me, 
I  had  an  inclination  to  acquaint  fome  with 
the  manner  of  my  being  led  into  thefe  things  ; 
yet,  upon  a  deeper  thought,  I  was  for  a  time 
rnoft  eafy  to  omit  it,  believing  the  prefent 
difpenfation  was  profitable ;  and  trading,  that 

if 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     143 

if  I  kept  my  place,  the  Lord  in  his  own 
time  would  open  the  hearts  of  friends  to- 
ward me  :  fince  which,  I  have  had  caufe  to 
admire  his  goodnels  and  loving-kindnefs,  in 
leading  about  and  inftrucling,  and  opening 
and  enlarging  my  heart  in  fome  of  our 
meetings. 

In  the  eleventh  month  of  the  year  1762, 
feeling  an  engagement  of  mind  to  vifit  fome 
families  in  Mansfield  :  I  joined  my  beloved 
friend  Benjamin  Jones ,  and  we  fpent  a  few 
days  together  in  that  fervice.  In  the  fecond 
month  1763,  I  joined  in  company  with  Eli- 
zabeth Smith  and  Mary  Noble,  on  a  vifit  to 
the  families  of  friends  at  Ancocas  ;  in  both 
which  villts,  through  the  baptizing  power 
of  truth,  the  lincere  labourers  were  often 
comforted,  and  the  hearts  of  friends  opened 
to  receive  us.  And  in  the  fourth  month  fol- 
lowing, I  accompanied  fome  friends  in  a  vi- 
fit  to  the  families  of  friends  in  Mount- 
Holly  ;  in  which  my  mind  was  often  drawn 
into  an  inward  awfulnefs,  wherein  flrong 
deiires  were  raifed  for  the  everlafting  welfare 
of  my  fellow-creatures  ;  and,  through  the 
kindnefs  of  our  heavenly  Father,  our  hearts 
were,  at  times,  enlarged,  and  friends  invited 
in  the  flowings  of  divine  love  to  attend  to 
that  which  would  fettle  them  en  the  fare 
foundation. 

Having  many  years  felt  love  in  my  heart 
toward  the  natives  of  this  land,  who  dwell  far 
back  in  the  wildernefs,  whpfe  anceflors  were 
the  owners  and  pofTeflors  of  the  land  where 

we 


144    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

we  dwell ;  and  who,  for  a  very  fmall  confi^' 
deration,  ailigned  their  inheritance  to  us ; 
and  being  at  Philadelphia  in  the  eighth, 
month,  1761,  on  a  vifit  to  fome  friends  who 
had  flaves,  I  fell  in  company  with  fome  of 
thofe  natives  who  lived  on  the  eaft  branch  of 
the  river  Sufquehannah,  at  an  Indian  town 
called  Wehaloofing,  two  hundred  miles  from 
Philadelphia ;  and  in  converfation  with  them 
by  an  interpreter,  as  alfo  by  obfervations  on 
their  countenances  and  conduct,  I  believed 
ibme  of  them  were  meafurably  acquainted 
with  that  divine  power  which  fubjecls  the 
rough  and  froward  will  of  the  creature : 
and,  at  times,  I  felt  inward  drawings  to- 
ward a  vilit  to  that  place  of  which  I  told 
none  except  my  dear  wife,  until  it  came  to 
fome  ripenefs,  and  then  in.  the  winter,  1762, 
I  laid  it  before  friends  at  our  monthly  and 
quarterly, and  afterwards  at  ourGeneral  ipring 
meeting  ;  and  having  the  unity  of  friends, 
and  being  thoughtful  about  an  Indian  pilot, 
there  came  a  man  and  three  women  from  a . 
liide  beyond  that  town  to  Philadelphia  on] 
bufinefs  :  and  I  being  informed  thereof  by.j 
letter,  met  them  in  town  in  the  fifth  month,  • 
3763;  and  after  fome  converfation,  fh 
they  were  fbber  people,  I,  by  the  concurrence 
of  friends  in  that  place,  agreed  to  join  with 
them  as  companions  in  their  return ;  and  on 
the  feventh  day  of  the  fixth  month  follow- 
ing, we  appointed  to  meet  at  Samuel  Fouik's, 
at  Richland  in  Bucks  county.  Now  as  this 
vifit  felt  weighty,  and  was  performed  at  a 

time 


OF    JOHN    WO  (XL  MAN.      145 

time  when  travelling  appeared  perilous,  fo 
the  difpenfations  of  Divine  Providence,  iii 
preparing  my  mind  for  it,  have  been  memo- 
rable ;  and  I  believe  it  good  for  me  to  give 
fome  hints  thereof. 

After  I  had  given  up  to  go,  the  thoughts 
of  the  journey  were  often  attended  with  un- 
uiiial  fadnefs ;  in  which  times,  my  heart  was 
frequently  turned  to  the  Lord  with  inward 
breathings  for  his  heavenly  fupport,  that  I 
might  not  fail  to  follow  him  wherefoever  he 
might  lead  me  :    and  being  at  our  youth's 
meeting  at  Chefterfield,  about  a  week  before 
the  time  I  expected  to  fet  off,  was  there  led 
to  fpeak  on  that  prayer  of  our  Redeemer  to 
his  Father:   "  I  pray  not  that  them  moulded 
"  take  them  out  of  the  world,  but  that  thou 
"  Ihouldefl  keep  them  from  the  evil."  And  in 
attending  to  the  pure  openings  of  truth,  had 
to   mention  what  He  elfewhere  faid  to  his 
Father;  "  I  know  that  thou  heareil  me  at  all 
"  times :"  fo  that,  as  fome  of  his  followers 
kept   their  places,    and  as    his    prayer  was 
granted,    it    followed   necelTarily   that  they 
were  kept  from  evil  :  and  as  fome  of  thofe 
met  with  great  hardihips  and  afflictions  in 
this  world,  and  at  lafh  fuffered  death  by  cruel 
men  ;    it   appears,    that   whatfoever   befalls 
men  while  they  live  in  pure   obedience  to 
God,  as  it  certainly  works  for  their  good,  fo 
it  may  not  be  confidered  an  evil  as  it  relates 
to  them.     As  I   fpake  on  this   fubject,  my 
heart  was  much  tendered,  and  great  awful- 
nefs  came  over  me;  and  then,  on  the  firft 
L  day 


i46     THE  LIFE  ARD  TRAVELS 

clay  of  the  next  week,  being  at  our  own  af- 
ternoon meeting,  and  my  heart  being  en- 
larged in  love,  I  was  led  to  fpeak  on  the  care 
and  protection  of  the  Lord  over  his  people, 
and  to  make  mention  of  that  paffage  where 
a  band  of  Affyrians  endeavouring  to  take 
captive  the  prophet  were  difappointed ;  and 
how  the  pfalmift  faid,  "  the  angel  of  the 
*'  Lord  encampeth  round  about  them  that 
"  fear  him."  And  thus,  in  true  lo,ve  and 
tendernefs,  I  parted  from  friends,  expecting 
the  next  morning  to  proceed  on  my  journey  ; 
and  being  weary,  went  early  to  bed :  and 
after  I  had  been  afleep  a  ihort  time,  I  was 
awaked  by  a  man  calling  at  my  door  ;  and 
arifing,  was  invited  to  meet  fome  friends  at 
a  publick-houfe  in  our  towTn,  who  came  from 
Philadelphia  fo  late,  that  friends  were  gene- 
rally gone  to  bed  :  thefe  friends  informed 
me,  that  an  exprefs  arrived  the  lad  morning 
from  Pittfburgh,  and  brought  news  that  the 
Indians  had  taken  a  fort  from  the  Englifh  weft- 
ward,  and  flain  and  fcalped  Englim  people  in 
divers  places,  fome  near  the  faid  Pittfburgh ; 
and  that  fome  elderly  friends  in  Philadel- 
phia, knowing  the  time  of  my  expecting  to 
fet  off,  had  conferred  together,  and  thought 
good  to  inform  me  of  thefe  things,  before  I 
left  home,  that  I  might  confider  them,  and 
proceed  as  I  believed  beft  ;  fo  I,  going  again 
to  bed,  told  not  my  wife  till  morning.  My 
heart  was  turned  to  the  Lord  for  his  heaven- 
ly inflruction ;  and  it  was  an  humbling  time 

to 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      147 

to  me,  When  I  told  my  dear  wife,  {he  ap- 
peared to  be  deeply  concerned  about  it ;  but 
in  a  few  hours  time,  my  mind  became  fet- 
tled in  a  belief,  that  it  was  my  duty  to  pro- 
ceed on  my  journey;  and  me  bore  it  with  a 
good  degree  of  refignation.  In  this  conflict  of 
ipirit,  there  were  great  fearchings  of  heart, 
and  ftrong  cries  to  the  Lord,  that  no  motion 
might  be  in  the  leaft  degree  attended  to,  but 
that  of  the  pure  fpirit  of  truth. 

The  fubjects  before-mentioned,  on  which 
I  had  fo  lately  fpoke  in  publick,  were  now 
very  frefli  before  me ;  and  I  was  brought  in- 
wardly to  commit  myfelf  to  the  Lord,  to 
be  difpofed  of  as  he  faw  befl.  So  I  took 
leave  of  my  family  and  neighbours,  in  much 
bowednefs  of  fpirit,  and  went  to  our  month- 
ly-meeting at  Burlington ;  and  after  taking- 
leave  of  friends  there,  I  croiTed  the  river,  ac- 
companied by  my  friends  Ifrael  and  John 
Pemberton ;  and  parting  the  next  morning 
with  Ifrael,  John  bore  me  company  to  Sa- 
muel Foulk's  ;  where  I  met  the  before-men- 
tioned Indians,  and  we  were  glad  to  fee  each 
other :  here  my  friend  Benjamin  Parvin  met 
me,  and  propofed  joining  as  a  companion, 
we  having  paffed  fome  letters  before  on  the 
fubject;  and  now  on  his  account  I  had  a 
fharp  trial;  for  as  the  journey  appeared  peri- 
lous, I  thought  if  he  went  chiefly  to  bear 
me  company,  and  we  fhould  be  taken  cap- 
tive, my  having  been  the  means  of  draw- 
ing him  into  thefe  difficulties,  would  add  to 
my  own  afflictions  :  fo  I  told  him  my  mind 
L  2  freely, 


148     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

freely,  and  let  him  know  that  I  was  rcfign-» 
ed  to  go  alone ;  but  after  all,  if  he  really  be- 
lieved it  to  be  his  duty  to  go  on,  I  believed 
his  company  would  be  very  comfortable  to 
me  :  it  was  indeed  a  time  of  deep  exercife, 
and  Benjamin  appeared  to  be  fo  fattened  to 
the  viiit,  that  he  could  not  be  eafy  to  leave 
me  ;  fo  we  went  on,  accompanied  by  our 
friends  John  Pemberton,  and  William  Light- 
foot  of  Pikeland,  and  lodged  at  Bethlehem ; 
and  there  parting  with  John,  William  and 
we  went  forward  on  the  ninth  day  of  the 
fixth  month,  and  got  lodging  on  the  floor  of 
a  houfe,  about  five  miles  from  Fort- Allen ; 
here  we  parted  with  William :  and  at  this  place 
\ve  met  with  an  Indian  trader,  lately  come 
from  Wioming ;  and  in  converiktion  with  him, 
I  perceived  that  many  white  people  do  often 
fell  rum  to  the  Indians,  which,  I  believe,  is  a 
great  evil ;  firft,  they  being  thereby  deprived 
of  the  ufe  of  their  reafon,  and  their  fpirits  vi- 
olently agitated,  quarrels  often  a  rile  which 
end  in  mifchief ;  and  the  bitternefs  and  refent- 
ments  occafioned  hereby,  are  frequently  of 
long  continuance :  again,  their  fkins  and 
furrs,  gotten  thro'  much  fatigue  and  hard  tra- 
vels in  hunting,  with  which  they  intended 
to  buy  cloathing,  when  they  become  in- 
toxicated, they  often  fell  at  a  low  rate  for 
more  ruin ;  and  afterward,  when  they  fuffer 
for  want  of  the  necefTaries  of  life,  are  an- 
gry with  thole  who,  for  the  fake  of  gain, 
•took  the  advantage  of  their  weaknefs  :  of 
tbis  their  chiefs  have  often  complained,  at 

their 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     149 

their  treaties  with  the  Engliili.  Where  cun- 
ning people  pafs  counterfeits,  and  impofe 
that  on  others  which  is  good  for  nothing,  it 
is  conildered  as  a  wickedness  ;  but  to  fell 
that  to  people  which  we  know  does  them 
harm,  and  which  often  works  their  ruin,  for 
the  fake  of  gain,  manifefts  a  hardened  and 
corrupt  heart ;  and  is  an  evil,  which  de- 
mands the  care  of  all  true  lovers  of  virtue 
to  fupprefs  :  and  while  my  mind,  this  even- 
ing, was  thus  employed,  I  alfo  remember- 
ed, that  the  people  on  the  frontiers,  among 
whom  this  evil  is  too  common,  are  often 
poor ;  who  venture  to  the  outlide  of  a  colo- 
ny, that  they  may  live  more  independant  on 
fuch  who  are  wealthy,  who  often  fet  high 
rents  on  their  land  :  being  renewedly  con- 
firmed in  a  belief,  that  if  all  our  inhabi- 
tants lived  according  to  found  \vifdom,  la- 
bouring to  promote  univerfal  love  and  righ- 
teoufnefs,  and  ceafed  from  every  inordinate 
defire  after  wealth,  and  from  all  cuftonis. 
which  are  tinctured,  with  luxury,  the  way 
would  be  eafy  for  our  inhabitants,  thouga 
much  more  numerous  than  at  prefent,  to  live 
comfortably  on  honefl  employments,  with- 
out having  that  temptation  they  are  often 
under  of  being  drawn  into  fchemes  to  md:e 
Settlements  on  lands  which  have  not  been 
purchafed  of  the  Indians,  or  of  applying  to 
that  wicked  practice  of  felling  rum  to  them. 
On  the  tenth  day  of  the  month  we  fet  out 
early  in  the  morning,  and  crofled  the  wefl- 
e.rn  branch  of  Delaware,  called  the  Great 


150     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

Lehie,  near  Fort-Allen ;  the  water  being 
high,  we  went  over  in  a  canoe':  here  we 
met  an  Indian,  and  had  fome  friendly  con- 
verfation  with  him,  and  gave  him  fome  bif- 
cuit;  and  he  having  killed  a  deer,  gave  the 
Indians  with  us  fomQ  of  it :  then  after  tra- 
velling fome  miles,  we  met  feveral  Indian 
men  and  women  with  a  cow  and  horfe,  and 
fome  houihold  goods,  who  were  lately  come 
from  their  dwelling  at  Wioming,  and  going 
to  fettle  at  another  place ;  we  made  them 
fome  fmall  prefents  ;  and  fome  of  them  un- 
derftanding  Englifh,  I  told  them  my  motive 
in  coming  into  their  country  ;  with  which 
they  appeared  fatisfied  :  and  one  of  our 
guides  talking  a  while  with  an  antient  wo- 
man concerning  us,  the  poor  old  woman 
came  to  my  companion  and  me,  and  took 
her  leave  of  us  with  an  appearance  of  fin- 
cere  affection.  So  going  on,  we  pitched  our 
tent  near  the  banks  of  the  fame  river,  hav- 
ing laboured  hard  in  croffmg  fome  of  thofe 
mountains  called  the  Blue  Ridge  ;  and  by 
the  roughnefs  of  the  flones,  and  the  cavi- 
ties between  them,  and  the  fteepnefs  of  the 
hills,  it  appeared  dangerous  :  but  we  were 
preferved  in  fafety,  through  the  kindnefs  of 
Him  whofe  works  in  thofe  mountainous  de- 
ierts  appeared  awful  ;  toward  whom  my 
heart  was  turned  during  this  day's  travel. 

Near  our  tent,  on  the  fides  of  large  trees 
peeled  for  that  purpofe,  were  various  repre- 
fentations  of  men  going  to,  and  returning 
from  the  wars,  and  of  fome  killed  in  battle. 

This 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     151 

This  being  a  path  heretofore  iifed  by 
warriors  ;  and  as  I  walked  about  viewing 
thofe  Indian  hiftories,  which  were  painted 
moflly  in  red  but  fome  in  black,  and  think- 
ing on  the  innumerable  afflictions  which 
the  proud,  fierce  fpirit  produceth  in  the 
world ;  thinking  on  the  toils  and  fatigues  of 
warriors,  travelling  over  mountains  and  de- 
ferts ;  thinking  on  their  miferies  and  dif- 
trefles  when  wounded  far  from  home  by 
their  enemies  ;  and  of  their  bruifes  and  great 
wearinefs  in  chafing  one  another  over  the 
rocks  and  mountains ;  and  of  their  reftlefs, 
unquiet  (late  of  mind,  who  live  in  this  fpi- 
rit ;  and  of  the  hatred  which  mutually  grows 
up  in  the  minds'  of  the  children  of  thofe  na- 
tions engaged  in  war  with  each  other :  dur- 
ing thele  meditations,  the  defire  to  cherifh 
the  fpirit  of  love  and  peace  amongft  thefe 
people,  arofe  very  frem  in  me.  This  was 
the  firft  night  that  we  lodged  in  the  woods ; 
and  being  wet  with  travelling  in  the  rain, 
the  ground,  our  tent,  and  the  bulhes  which 
we  purpofed  to  lay  under  our  blankets  alfo 
wet,  all  looked  difcouraging ;  but  I  believed, 
that  it  was  the  Lord  who  had  thus  far 
brought  me  forward,  and  that  he  would 
difpofe  of  me  as  he  faw  good,  and  therein  I 
felt  eafy :  fo  we  kindled  a  fire,  with  our  tent 
open  to  it ;  and  with  fome  bullies  next  the 
ground,  and  then  our  blankets,  we  made 
our  bed  ;  and  lying  down,  got  fome  fleep  : 
and  in  the  morning,  feeling  a  little  unwell,. 

I  went 


THE   LIFE   AND   TRAVELS 

I  went  into  the  river;  the  water  was  cold, 
but  foon  after  I  felt  frefh  and  well. 

"  The  eleventh  day  of  the  fixth  month,  the 
bullies  being  wet,  we  tarried  in  our  tent  till 
about  eight  o'clock  ;  when  going  on,  eroded 
a  high  mountain  fuppofed  to  be  upward  of 
four  miles  over  ;  the  ileepnefs  on  the  north 
licle  exceeding  all  the  others :  we  alfo  croffed 
two  fwamps  ;  and  it  raining  near  night, 
we  pitched  our  teat  and  lodged. 

About  noon,  on  our  way,  we  were  over- 
taken by  one  of  the  moravian  brethren,  go- 
ing to  Wehaloofmg,  and  an  Indian  man 
with  him  who  could  talk  Eiiglifh;  and  we 
being  together  while  our  horfes  eat  grafs,  had 
fome  friendly  converfation  j  but  they  tra- 
velling f after  than  we,  foon  left  us.  This 
moravian,  I  unclerflood,  had  fpent  fome 
time  this  fpring  at  Wehalooling  ;  and  was, 
by  fome  or  the  Indians,  invited  to  come 
again. 

The  twelfth  day  of  the  fixth  month,  and 
firfl  of  the  week,  it  being  a  rainy  day,  we 
continued  in  our  tent;  and  here  I  was  led  to 
think  on  the  nature  of  the  exercife  which 
hath  attended  me  :  Love  was  the  firft  motion, 
and  thence  a  concern  arofe  tofpendfome  time 
with  the  Indians,  that  I  might  feel  and  un- 
derfland  their  life,  and  the  fpirit  they  live 
in,  if  haply  I  might  receive  fome  inftruclion 
from  them,  or  they  be  in  any  degree  helped 
forward  by  my  following  the  leadings  of 
truth  amongft  them :  and  as  it  pleafed  the 
Lord  to  make  way  for  my  going  at  a  time 

when 


or    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     153 

when  the  troubles  of  war  were  increaiing, 
and  when,  by  reafon  of  much  wet  weather, 
travelling  was  more  difficult  than  ufual  at 
that  feafoii,  I  looked  upon  it  as  a  more  fa- 
vourable opportunity  to  feafoii  my  mind, 
and  bring  me  into  a  nearer  fympathy  with 
them :  and  as  mine  eye  was  to  the  great  Fa- 
ther of  mercies,  humbly  defiling  to  learn 
what  his  will  was  concerning  me,  I  was 
made  quiet  and  content. 

Our  guide's  horfe,  though  hoppled,  went 
away  in  the  night ;  and  after  finding  our 
own,  and  fearching  fome  time  for  him,  his 
footfteps  were  difcovered  in  the  path  going 
back  again,  whereupon  my  kind  companion 
went  otf  in  the  rain,  and  after  about  feven 
hours  returned  with  him  :  and  here  we 
lodged  again  ;  tying  up  our  horfes  before 
we  went  to  bed,  and  loofing  them  to  feed 
about  break  of  day. 

On  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  fixth  month, 
the  fun  appearing,  we  fet  forward ;  and  as  I 
rode  over  the  barren  hills,  my  meditations 
were  on  the  alterations  of  the  circumftances 
of  the  natives  of  this  land  fince  the  coming 
in  of  the  Englifh.  The  lands  near  the  fea, 
are  conveniently  fituated  for  fiihing  ;  the 
lands  near  the  rivers,  where  the  tides  flow, 
and  fome  above,  are  in  many  places  fertile, 
and  not  mountainous  ;  while  the  running  of 
the  tides,  makes  palling  up  and  down  eafy 
with  any  kind  of  traffick.  Thofe  natives 
have,  in  fome  places,  for  trifling  confidera-^ 
t-ions,  fold  their  inheritance,  fo  favourably 

fituated ; 


ij4    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

fituated ;  and  in  other  places,  been  driven 
back  by  fuperior  force  :  fo  that,  in  many 
places,  as  their  way  of  cloathing  themfelves 
is  now  altered  from  what  it  was,  and  they, 
far  remote  from  us,  have  to  pafs  over  moun- 
tains, fwamps,  and  barren  defarts,  whera 
travelling  is  very  troublefome,  in.  bringing 
their  fkins  and  furrs  to  trade  with  us. 

By  the  extending  of  Engliih  fettlements, 
and  partly  by  Engliih  hunters,  the  wild 
beads  they  chiefly  depend  on  for  a  fubfift- 
ance,  are  not  fo  plenty  as  they  were;  and 
people  too  often,  for  the  fake  of  gain,  open 
a  door  for  them  to  waile  their  fkins  and 
furrs,  in  purchafing  a  liquor  which  tends  to 
the  ruin  of  them  and  their  families. 

My  own  will  and  defires  being  now  very 
much  broken,  and  my  heart,  with  much 
earneftnefs,  turned  to  the  Lord,  to  whom 
alone  I  looked  for  help  in  the  dangers  before 
me.  I  had  a  profpecl:  of  the  Englifh  along 
the  coafl,  for  upwards  of  nine  hundred 
miles,  where  I  have  travelled ;  and  the  fa- 
vourable fituation  of  the  Englifh,  and  the 
difficulties  attending  the  natives  in  many 
places,  and  the  negroes,  were  open  before 
me ;  and  a  weighty  and  heavenly  care  came 
over  my  mind,  and  love  filled  my  heart  to- 
ward all  mankind,  in  which  I  felt  a  ftrong 
engagement,  that  we  might  be  obedient  to, 
the  Lord  while,  in  tender  mercies,  he  is  yet 
calling  to  us  ;  and  fo  attend  to  pure  univer- 
fal  righteoufnefs,  as  to  give  no  juft  caufe  of 
offence  to  the  Gentiles,  who  do  not  profefs 

chriftiamty, 


OF 


JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      155 

chriftianity,  whether  the  blacks  from  Africa 
or  the  native  inhabitants  of  this  continent: 
and  here  I  was  led  into  a  clofe,  laborious 
enquiry,  whether  I,  as  an  individual,  kept 
clear  from  all  things  which  tended  to  ilir  up, 
or  were  connected  with  wars,  either  in  this 
land  or  Africa  ;  and  my  heart  was  deeply 
concerned,  that  in  future  I  might  in  all 
things  keep  fteadily  to  the  pure  truth,  and 
live  and  walk  in  the  plainnefs  and  fimplicity 
of  a  fincere  follower  of  Chrift.  And  in  this 
lonely  journey,  I  did,  this  day,  greatly  be- 
wail the  fpreading  of  a  wrong  fpirit,  be- 
lieving, that  the  profperous,  convenient  fi- 
tuation  of  the  Englifh,  requires  a  conftant 
attention  to  divine  love  and  wifdom  to  guide 
and  fupport  us  in  a  way  anfwerable  to  the 
will  of  that  good,  gracious,  and  almighty 
Being,  who  hath  an  equal  regard  to  all  man- 
kind :  and  here,  luxury  and  covetoufnefs, 
with  the  numerous  oppreilions,  and  other 
evils  attending  them,  appeared  very  afflict- 
ing to  me  ;  and  I  felt  in  that  which  is  im- 
mutable, that  the  feeds  of  great  calamity 
and  defolation  are  fown  and  growing  faft  on 
this  continent :  nor  have  I  words  fufficient  to 
fet  forth  that  longing  I  then  felt,  that  we, 
who  are  placed;along  the  coaft,  and  have  tafled 
the  love  and  goodnefs  of  God,  might  ariie 
in  his  flrength ;  and,  like  faithful  mefien- 
gers,  labour  to  check  the  growth  of  thefe 
feeds,  that  they  may  not  ripen  to  the  ruin 
of  our  pofteritv. 

We 


156      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

We  reached  the  Indian  fettlement  at  Wio* 
ming  :  and  here  we  were  told,  that  an  Irn- 
dian  runner  had  been  at  that  place  a  day  or 
two  before  us,  and  brought  news  of  the  In-? 
dians  taking  an  Englifh  fort  weftward,  and, 
deftroying  the  people,  and  that  they  were 
endeavouring  to  take  another ;  and  alib,  that 
another  Indian  runner  came  there  about  the 
middle  of  the  night  before  we  got  there, 
who  came  from  a  town  about  ten  miles 
above  Wehaloofing,  and  brought  news,  that 
fome  Indian  warriors,  from  diflant  parts, 
came  to  that  town  with  two  Englifh  fcalps ; 
and  told  the  people,  that  it  was  war  with 
the  Englifh. 

Our  guides  took  us  to  the  hdufe  of  a  very 
antient  man ;  and  foon  after  we  had  put  in 
our  baggage,  there  came  a  man  from  ano-> 
ther  Indian  houfe  fome  diflance  off;  and  I 
perceiving  there  was  a  man  near  the  door, 
went  cut ;  and  he  having  a  tomahawk 
wrapped  under  his  matchcoat  out  of  fight, 
as  I  approached  him,  he  took  it  in  his  hand ; 
I,  however,  went  forward,  and  fpeaking  to 
him  in  a  friendly  way  perceived  he  under- 
ftood  fome  Englifh :  my  companion  then 
coming  out,  we  had  fome  talk  with  him 
concerning  the  nature  of  our  vifit  in  thefe 
parts  ;  and  then  he  going  into  the  houfe 
with  us,  and  talking  with  our  guides,  foon 
appeared  friendly,  and  fat  down  and  fmoak- 
ed  his  pipe.  Tho'  his  taking  his  hatchet  in 
his  hand  at  the  inftant  I  drew  near  to  him 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     15? 

had  a  difagreeable  appearance, .  I  believe  he 
had  no  other  intent  than  to  be  in  readineis 
in  cafe  any  violence  was  offered  to  him. 

Hearing  the  news  brought  by  thefe  In- 
dian runners,  and  being  told  by  the  Indians 
where  we  lodged,  that  what  Indians  were 
about  Wioming  expected,  in  a  few  days,  to 
move  to  fome  larger  towns,  I  thought  that, 
to  all  outward  appearance,  it  was  dangerous 
travelling  at  this  time  ;  and  was,  after  a 
hard  day's  journey,  brought  into  a  painful 
exercife  at  night,  in  which  I  had  to  trace 
back,  and  view  over  the  fteps  I  had  taken 
from  my  firfl  moving  in  the  vint ;  and  tho' 
I  had  to  bewail  fome  weakiiefs  which,  at 
times,  had  attended  me,  yet  I  could  not 
find  that  I  had  ever  given  way  to  a  will- 
ful difobedience  :  and  then  as  I  believed  I 
had,  under  a  fenfe  of  duty,  come  thus  far, 
I  was  now  'earned  in  fpirit  befeeching  the 
Lord  to  mew  me  what  I  ought  to  do.  In 
this  great  diilreis  I  grew  jealous  of  rnyfelf, 
left  the  defire  of  reputation,  as  a  man 
firmly  fettled  to  perfevere  through  dan- 
gers, or  the  fear  of  difgrace  ariiing  on 
my  returning  without  performing  the  vi- 
nt, might  have  fome  place  in  me:  thus  I 
lay,  full  of  thoughts,  great  part  of  the  night, 
while  my  beloved  companion  lay  and  IJcpt 
by  me ;  till  the  Lord,  my  gracious  Father, 
who  law  the  conflicts  of  my  foul,  was 
pleated  to  give  quietnefs:  then  I  was  again 
ftrengthened  to  commit  my  life,  and  alt 
thing?  relating  thereto,  into  his  heavenly 

hands ; 


158      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

hands ;  and  getting  a  little  fleep  toward 
when  morning  came  we  arofe. 

On  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  fixth  month, 
we  fought  out  and  vifited  all  the  Indians 
hereabouts  that  we  could  meet  with  ;  they 
being  chiefly  in  one  place,  about  a  mile  from 
where  we  lodged,  in  all  psrhaps  twenty. 
Here  I  exprelTed  the  care  I  had  on  my  mind 
for  their  good  ;  and  told  them,  that  true 
love  had  made  me  willing  thus  to  leave  my 
family  to  come  and  fee  the  Indians,  and 
fpeak  with  them  in  their  houfes.  Some 
of  them. appeared  kind  and  friendly.  So  we 
took  our  leave  of  thefe  Indians :  and  went 
up  the  river  Sufquehannah,  about  three 
miles,  to  the  houfe  of  an  Indian,  called  Ja- 
cob January,  who  had  killed  his  hog ;  and 
the  women  were  making  ftore  of  bread,  and 
preparing  to  move  up  the  river.  Here  our 
pilots  left  their  canoe  when  they  came  down 
in  the  fpriog,  which,  lying  dry,  was  leaky ; 
fo  that  we,  being  detained  fome  hours,  had 
a  good  deal  of  friendly  converfation  with 
the  family ;  and  eating  dinner  with  them, 
we  made  them  fome  finall  prefeiits.  Then 
putting  our  baggage  in  the  canoe,  fome  of 
them  pufhed  ilowly  aip  the  flreain,  and  the 
reft  of  us  rode  our  hories  ;-  and  IWimrning 
them  over  a  creek,  called  Lahawahamuiik, 
We  pitched  our  tent  a  little  above  it,  being 
a  fhower  in  the  evening  :  and  in  a  fenfe  of 
God's  goodnefs  in  helping  me  in  my  diftrefs, 
fuftaining  me  under  trials,  and  inclining 
my  heart:  to  rruft  in  him,  I  lay  down  in  aa 

humble 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      159 

humble  bowed  frame  of  mind,  and  had  a 
comfortable  night's  lodging. 

On  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  fixth  month, 
we  proceeded  forward  till  the  afternoon; 
when,  a  florm  appearing,  we  met  our  canoe 
at  an  appointed  place ;  and  the  rain  conti- 
nuingj  we  flayed  all  night,  which  was  fb 
heavy,  that  it  beat  through  our  tent,  and 
wet  us  and  our  baggage. 

On  the  fixteenth  day,  we  found,  on  our 
way,  abundance  of  trees  blown  down  with 
the  florm  yefterday  ;  and  had  oc canon  reve- 
rently to  coniider  the  kind  dealings  of  the 
Lord,  who  provided  a  fafe  place  for  us  in  a 
Valley,  while  this  florm  continued.  By  the 
falling  of  abundance  of  trees  acrofs  our 
path,  we  were  much  hindered,  and  in  fome 
fwamps  our  way  was  fo  flopped,  that  we 
got  through  with  extream  difficulty. 

I  had  this  day  often  to  confider  myfelf  as 
a  fojourner  in  this  world  ;  and  a  belief  la- 
the all-fufficiency  of  God  to  fupport  his  peo- 
•  pie  in  their  pilgrimage  felt  comfortable  to 
me  ;  and  I  was  induflriouily  employed  to 
get  to  a  flate  of  perfect  refignation. 

We  feldoin  faw  our  canoe  but  at  appoint- 
ed places,  by  reafon  of  the  path  going  off 
from  the  river :  and  this  afternoon,  Job  Chi- 
laway,  an  Indian  from  Wehaloofing,  who 
talks  good  Englilh,  and  is  acquainted  with 
feveral  people  in  and  about  Philadelphia,  met 
our  people  on  the  river  ;  and  underflanding 
where  we  expecled  to  lodge,  pufhed  back 
about  fix  mile*,  and  came  to  us  after  night; 

and 


a6o    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

and  in  a  while  our  own  canoe  came,  it  be- 
ing hard  work  pufhing  up  ftream.  job  told 
us,  that  an  Indian  came  in  hafte  to  their 
town  yeflerday,  and  told  them,  that  three" 
warriors,  coming  from  fome  diflance,  lodg- 
ed in  a  town  above  Wehaloofing  a  few  nights 
paft  ;  and  that  thefe  three  -men  were  going 
againft  the  Englifh  at  Juniata.  Job  was 
going  down  the  river  to  the  province-flora 
at  Shamokin.  Though  I  was  fb  far  favour- 
ed with  health  as  to  continue  travelling,  yet 
through  the  various  difficulties  in  our  jour- 
ney, and  the  different  way  of  living  front 
what  I  had  been  ufed  to,  I  grew  fick :  and 
the  news  of  thefe  warriors  being  on  their 
march  fo  near  us,  and  not  knowing  whe- 
ther we  might  not  fall  in  with  them,  was  a 
frefh  trial  of  my  faith  ;  and  tho',  thro'  the 
flrength  of  divine  love,  I  had  feveral  times 
been  enabled  to  commit  myfelf  to  the  divine 
difpofal,  I  ftill  found  the  want  of  my  flrength 
to  be  renewed,  that  I  might  perfevere  there- 
in ;  and  my  cries  for  help  were  put  up  to 
the  Lord,  who,  in  great  mercy,  gave  me  sfm 
refigned  heart,  in  which  I  found  quietnefs. 

On  the  ieventeenth  day,  parting  from  Job 
Chilaway,  we  went  on,  and  reached  Weha-» 
loofing  about  the  middle  of  the  afternoon  ; 
and  the  firfl  Indian  that  we  faw,  was  a  wo- 
man of  a  modefl  countenance,  with  a  Bible, 
who  firft  f  pake  to  our  guide  ;  and  then,  with 
a  harmonious  voice,  exprefled  her  gladnefs 
at  feeing  us,  having  before  heard  of  our 
coming :  then,  by  the  direction  of  our  guide, 

we 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     16* 

we  fat  down  on  a  log ;  and  he  went  to  the 
town,  to  tell  the  people  we  were  come.  My 
companion  and  I  fit-dug  thus  together,  in  a 
deep  inward  flillnefs,  the  poor  woman  came 
and  fat  near  us ;  and  great  awfulnefs  com- 
ing over  us,  we  rejoiced  in  a  fenfe  of  God's 
love  manifefted  to  our  poor  fouls.  After  a 
while,  we  heard  a  conkihell  blow  feveral 
times,  and  then  came  John  Curtis,  and 
another  Indian  man,  who  kindly  invited  us 
into  a  houfe  near  the  town,  where  we  found, 
I  fuppofe,  about  fixty  people  fitting  in  fi- 
lence ;  and  after  fitting  a  Ihort  time,  I  flood 
up,  and  in  fome  tendernefs  of  fpirit  ac- 
quainted them  with  the  nature  of  my  vifit, 
and  that  a  concern  for  their  good  had  made 
me  willing  to  come  thus  far  to  fee  them  : 
all  in  a  few  fhort  fentences,  which  fome  of 
them  under  (landing,  interpreted  to  the 
others,  and  there  appeared  gladnefs  amongft 
them.  Then  I  fhewed  them  my  certificate, 
which  was  explained  to  them ;  and  the  mo- 
ravian,  who  overtook  us  on  the  way,  being 
now  here,  bade  me  welcome. 

On  the  eighteenth  day,  we  refled  ourfelves 
this  forenoon  ;  and  the  Indians  knowing  that 
the  moravian  and  I  were  of  different  reli- 
gious focieties,  and  as  fome  of  their  people 
had  encouraged  him  to  come  and  flay  a 
while  with  them,  were,  I  believe,  concerned, 
that  no  jarring  or  difcord  might  be  in  their 
meetings :  and  they,  I  fuppofe,  having  con- 
ferred together,  acquainted  me,  that  the 
people,  at  iny  requeft,  would,  at  any  time, 
M  come 


x62       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

come  together,  and  hold  meetings ;  and  al- 
Ib  told  me,  that  they  expected  the  moravian 
would  fpeak  in  their  fet  Jed  meetings,  which 
are  commonly  held  morning  and  near  even- 
ing. So  I  found  liberty  in  my  heart  to  fpeak 
to  the  moravian,  and  told  him  of  the  care 
I  felt  on  my  mind  for  the  good  of  thefe  peo- 
ple ;  and  that  I  believed  no  ill  effects  would 
follow  it,  if  I  fometimes  fpake  in  their  meet- 
ings when  love  engaged  me  thereto,  with- 
out calling  them  together  at  times  when  they 
did  not  meet  of  coarfe  :  whereupon  he  ex- 
prefled  his  good-will  toward  my  fpeaking 
at  any  time,  all  that  I  found  in  my  heart 
to  fay  :  fo  near  evening  I  was  at  their  meet- 
ing, where  the  pure  goipel  love  was  felt,  to 
the  tendering  fome  of  our  hearts  ;  and  the 
interpreters  endeavouring  to  acquaint  the 
people  with  what  I  faid,  in  ihort  fentenccs, 
found  fome  difficulty,  as  none  of  them  were 
quite  perfect  in  the  Engliih  and  Delaware 
tongues,  fo  they  helped  one  another,  and  we 
laboured  along,  divine  love  attending:  and 
afterwards  feeling  my  mind  covered  with 
the  fpirit  of  prayer,  I  told  ths  interpreters! 
that  I  found  it  in  my  heart  to  pray  to  God, 
and  believed,  if  I  prayed  aright,  he  would 
hear  me,  and  expreiTed  my  willingnefs  for 
them  to  omit  interpreting ;  fo  our  meeting 
ended  with  a  degree  of  divine  love  :  and 
before  the  people  went  out,  I  obferved  Pa- 
punehang  (the  man  who  had  been  zealous- 
in  labouring  for  a  reformation  in  that  town, 
being  then  very  tender)  fpoke  to  one  of  the, 

interpreters  > 


OF     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     163 

interpreters  :  and  I  was  afterwards  told  that 
he  faid  in  fubftance  as  follows  ;  "I  love  to 
feel  where  words  come  from." 

On  the  nineteenth  day,  arid  firft  of  the; 
week,  this  morning  in  the  meeting  the  In- 
dian who  came  with  the  moravian,  being  al- 
fo  a  member  of  that  fociety,  prayed  ;  and 
then  the  moravian  fpake  a  ihort  time  to  the 
people :  and  xin  the  afternoon,  they  coming 
together,  and  my  heart  being  filled  with  a 
heavenly  care  for  their  good,  I  fpake  to  them 
awhile  by  interpreters ;  but  none  of  them 
being  perfect  in  the  work,  and  I  feeling  the 
current  of  love  run  flrong,  told  the  inter- 
preters, that  I  believed  fome  of  the  people 
would  underftand  me,  and  fo  I  proceeded  : 
in  which  exercife,  I  believe  the  Holy  Ghoft 
wrought  on  fome  hearts  to  edification,  wrhere 
all  the  words  were  not  underftood.  I  look- 
ed upon  it  as  a  time  of  divine  favour,  and 
my  heart  was  tendered  and  truly  thankful 
before  the  Lord  ;  and  after  I  fat  down,*  one 
of  the  interpreters  feemed  fpirited  to  give  the 
Indians  the  fubftance  of  what  I  had  faid. 

Before  our  firft  meeting  this  morning,  I 
was  led  to  meditate  on  the  manifold  diffi- 
culties of  thefe  Indians,  who,  by  the  per- 
mifnon  of  the  Six  Nations,  dwell  in  thefe 
parts  ;  and  a  near  fympathy  with  them  was 
raifed  in  me ;  and  rny  heart  being  enlarged 
in  the  love  of  Chrift,  I  thought  that  the  af- 
fecYionate  care  of  a  good  man  for  his  only 
brother  in  affliction,  does  not  exceed  what  I 
then  felt  for  that  people. 

M  2  I 


164   THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 


I  came  to  this  place  through  much  trou- 
ble ;  and  though,  through  the  mercies  of 
God,  I  believed,  that  if.  I  died  in  the  jour- 
ney, it  would  be  well  with  me  ;  yet  tjie 
thoughts  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  Indian 
warriors,  were,  in  times  of  weaknefs,  afflict- 
ing to  me  ;  and  being  of  a  tender  conflitu- 
tioii  of  body,  the  thoughts  of  captivity 
ainongrl  them  were,  at  times,  grievous  ;  as 
fuppofing,  that  they  being  ftrong  and  hardy, 
might  demand  fervice  of  me  beyond  what  I 
could  well  bear ;  but  the  Lord  alone  was  my 
keeper ;  and  I  believed,  if  I  went  into  capti- 
vity, it  would  be  for  fome  good  end ;  and 
thus,  from  time  to  time,  my  mind  was  cen- 
tered in  refignation,  in  which  I  always  found 
quietnefs.  And  now,  this  day,  though  I  had 
the  fame  dangerous  wildernefs  between  me 
and  home,  I  was  inwardly  joyful  that  the 
Lord  had  ftrengthened  me  to  come  on  this 
vifit,  and  manifefled  a  fatherly  care  over  me 
in  my  poor  lowly  condition,  when  in  mine 
own  eyes  I  appeared  inferior  to  many  a- 
inongft  the  Indians. 

.  When  the  laft  mentioned  meeting  was 
ended,  it  being  night  Papunehang  went  to 
bed  ;  and  one  of  the  interpreters  fitting  by 
me,  I  obferved  Papunehang  fpoke  with  an 
harmonious  voice,  I  fuppofe,  a  minute  or 
two :  and  afking  the  interpreter,  was  told, 
that  "  he  was  expremng  his  thankfulnefs  to 
God  for  the  favours  he  had  received  that 
day  ;  and  prayed  that  he  would  continue  to 
-favour  him  with  that  lame,  which  he  had 

experienced 


OF     JOHN    WOOLMAN.    165 

experienced  in  that  meeting."  That  though 
Papunehang  had  before  agreed  to  receive  the 
moravian,  and  join  with  them,  he  ilill  ap- 
peared kind  and  laving  to  us. 

On  the  twentieth  day,  I  was  at  two  meet- 
ings, and  ment  in  them. 

'.  The  twenty-firft  day.  This  morning  in 
meeting  my  heart  was  enlarged  in  pure  love 
amongft  them,  and  in  ihort  plain  ientences 
exprefTed  feveral  things  that  reded  upon  me, 
which  one  of  the  interpreters  gave  the  peo- 
ple pretty  readily ;  after  which  the  meeting 
ended  in  fupplication,  and  I  had  caufe  hum- 
bly to  acknowledge  the  loving-kindnefs  of 
the  Lord  toward  us ;  and  then  I  believed 
that  a  door  remained  open  for  the  faithful 
difciples  of  Jefus  Chrilt,  to  labour  amongfl 
thefe  people. 

I  now  feeling  my  mind  at  liberty  to  re- 
turn, took  my  leave  of  them  in  general,  at 
the  concluC.on  of  what  I  faid  in  meeting  ; 
and  fo  we  prepared  to  go  homeward:  but 
fome  of  their  moil  active  men  told  us,  that 
when  we  .were  ready  to  move,  the  people 
would  choofe  to  come  and  ihake  hands  with 
us ;  which  thofe  who  ufually  came  to  meet- 
ing did  :  and  from  a  fecret  draught  in  my 
mind,  I  went  amongft  fome  who  did  not 
life  to  go  to  meeting,  and  took  my  leave  of 
them  alfb :  and  the  moravian  and  his  Indian 
interpreter,  appeared  refpeciful  to  us  at  part- 
ing. This  town  flands  on  the  bank  of  Su£- 
quehannah,  and  conliils,  I  believe,  of  about 
forty  houfes,  moftly  compact  together;  fome 

about; 


166      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

about  thirty  feet  long,  and  eighteen  wide, 
fome  bigger,  ibme  lei's  ;  moflly  built  of  fplit 
plank,  one  end  let  in  the  ground,  and  the 
other  pinned  to  a  plate,  on  which  lay  raf- 
ters, and  covered  with  bark.  I  underftand 
a  great  flood  laft  winter  overflowed  the  chief 
part  of  the  ground  where  the  town  (lands  j 
and  fome  were  now  about  moving  their 
houfes  to  higher  ground. 

We  expected  only  two  Indians  to  be  our 
company  ;  but  when  we  were  ready  to  go, 
we  found  many  of  them  were  going  to  Beth- 
lehem with  (kins  and  furrs,  who  chofe  to 
go  in  company  with  us  :  fo  they  loaded  two 
canoes,  which  they  delired  us  to  go  in,  tell- 
ing us,  that  the  waters  were  fo  raifed  with 
the  rains,  that  the  Lories  fliould  be  taken  by 
fuch  who  were  better  acquainted  with  the 
fording  places  :  fo  we,  with  feveral  Indians, 
•went  in  the  canoes,  and  others  went"  on 
Korfes,  there  being  feven  befides  ours.  And 
we  meeting  with  the  horfemen  once  on  the 
way  by  appointment,  and  then  near  night, 
a  little  below  a  branch  called  Tankhannah, 
we  lodged  there  ;  and  fome  of  the  young 
men  going  out  a  Iitt4e  before  ciuik  with  their 
guns,  brought  in  a  deer. 

On  the  twenty-fecond  day,  through  dili- 
gence, we  reached  Wioming  before  night, 
and  underfiood  the  Indians  were  moilly  gone 
from  this  place:  here  we  went  up  a  (inall 
creek  into  the  woods  with  our  canoes,  and, 
pitching  our  tent,  carried  out  our  baggage  ; 
and  before  dark  our  horfes  came  to  us. 

On 


OF     JOHN     W  O  O  L  M  A  N.     167 

On  the  twenty-third  day  in  the  morning 
their  holies  were  loaded,  and  we  prepared 
our  baggage  and  fo  let  forward,  being  in  all 
fourteen  ;  and  with  diligent  travelling  were 
favoured  to  get  near  half  way  to  Fort-Allen, 
The  land  on  this  road  from  Wioming  to  our 
frontier  being  moftly  poor,  and  good  grafs 
fcarce,  they  chofe  a  piece  of  low  ground  to 
lodge  on,  as  the  beft  for  graling  ;  and  I 
having  Iweat  much  in  travelling,  and  be- 
ing weary  ilept  found  ;  I  perceived  in  the 
night  that  I  had  taken  cold,  of  which  I  was 
favoured  to  get  better  foon, 

On  the  twenty-fourth  day  we  pafTed  Fort- 
Allen,  and  lodged  near  it  in  the  woods. 

Having  forded  the  weflerly  branch  of  De- 
laware three  times,  and  thereby  had  a  fhorter 
way,  and  miffed  going  over  the  top  of  the 
blue  mountains,  called  the  Second  Ridge.  In 
the  fecond  time  fording,  where  the  river  cuts 
thro'  the  mountain,  the  waters  being  rapid 
and  pretty  deep,  and  my  companion's  mare 
being  a  tall  tractable  animal 5  he  fundry 
times  drove  her  back  thro'  the  river,  and 
they  loaded  her  with  the  burthens  of  fome 
linall  horfes,  which  they  thought  not  fumci- 
ent  to  come  thro'  with  their  loads. 

The  troubles  weft  ward,  and  the  difficulty 
for  Indians  to  pafs  thro'  our  frontier,  I  ap- 
prehend was  one  reafon  why  fo  many  came; 
as  expecting  that  our  being  in  company, 
would  prevent  the  outfide  inhabitants  from 
being  furprized, 

Qu 


i68     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

On  the  twenty-fifth  day  we  reached  Beth- 
lehem, taking  care  on  the  way  to  keep  fore- 
moft,  and  to  acquaint  people  on  and  near 
the  road  who  thefe  Indians  were:  this  we 
found  very  needful ;  for  the  frontier  inha- 
bitants were  often  alarmed  at  the  report  of 
Englilh  being  killed  by  Indians  weftward. 

Amongft  our  company  were  fome  who  I 
did  not  remember  to  have  feen.  at  meeting, 
and  fome  of  thefe  at  firfl  were  very  referved ; 
but  we  being  feveral  days  together,  and  be- 
having friendly  toward  them,   and  making 
them  fuitable  returns  for  the  fervices  they 
did  us,  they  became  more  free  and  fociable. 
On  the  twenty-fixth  day  and  firfl  of  the 
week,  having  carefully  endeavoured  to  fettle 
all  affairs  with  the  Indians  relative  to  our 
journey  ;     we  took  leave   of    them,    and   I 
thought  they  generally  parted  with  us  af- 
fectionately;  fo  we  getting  to  Richland,  had 
a  very    comfortable    meeting    amoiigfl   our 
friends :  here  I  parted  with  my  kind  friend 
and  companion  Benjamin  Parvin  ;  and  ac- 
companied by  my  friend  Samuel  Foulk,  we 
rode  to  John  Cadwallader's,  from  whence  I 
reached  home  the  next  day,  where  I  found 
my  family  middling  well ;  and  they  and  my 
friends  all  along  appeared  glad  to  iee  me  re- 
turn from  a  journey  which  they  apprehend- 
ed dangerous  :   but  my  mind,  while  I  was 
out,  had  been  fb  employed  in  flriving  for  a 
perfect  refignation,  and  I  had  fo  often  been 
confirmed  in  a    belief,    that    whatever   the 
Lord  might  be  pleafed  to  allot  for  me,  would 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     169 

work  for  good :  I  was  careful  leafl  I  mould 
admit  any  degree  of  felfifhnefs  in  being  glad 
overmuch,  and  laboured  to  improve  by  thofe 
trials  in  fuch  a  manner  as  my  gracious  Fa- 
ther and  protector  intends  for  me.  Between 
the  Englifh  inhabitants  and  Wehaloofing, 
we  had  only  a  narrow  "path,  which  in  many 
places  is  much  grown  up  with  bufhes,  and 
interrupted  by  abundance  of  trees  lying 
acrofs  it,  thefe,  together  with  the  moun- 
tains, fwamps,  and  rough  (tones,  make  it  a 
difficult  road  to  travel ;  and  the  more  fo,  for 
that  rattlefnakes  abound  there,  of  which  we 
killed  four :  that  people  who  have  never  been 
in  fuch  places,  have  but  an  imperfect  idea 
of  them  ;  but  I  was  not  only  taught  pa- 
tience, but  alfo  made  thankful  to  God,  who 
thus  led  me  about  and  inflructed  me,  that  I 
might  have  a  quick  and  lively  feeling  of 
the  afflictions  of  my  fellow-creatures,  whof$ 
fituation  in  life  is  difficult. 


C  H  A  ^ 


THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 


CHAP.     IX. 

Jffis  religious  conversation  ivith  a  company  met 
to  fee  the  tricks  of  a  juggler  —  His  account 
of  John  Smith's  advice,  and  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  a  committee,  at  the  yearly-meet* 
iy.-r  in  1764  —  Contemplations  on  tht  nature 
of  true  wifdom,  occajiontd  by  bearing  of  the 
cruelty  of  the  Indians  to  their  captives  — 
His  vifiting  the  families  of  friends  at  Mount- 
Holly,  Mansfald  and  Burlington  in  1 764,  and 
the  meetings  on  the feaco  aft  from  Cape  May  to- 
ward Squan  in  1765 — His  injlt  to  the  Lower 
Counties  on  Delaware  and  the  Eaftern  Shore 
of  Maryland  in  1766,  in  company  'with  John 
Sleeper  ;  with  feme  account  of  Jofeph  Ni- 
chols and  his  followers  ;  and  obfcwations 
on  the  different  fiate  of  the  frft  fettlers  in 
Pennfylyania  wfrj  depended  oil  their  own 
labour ,  and  thofe  of  the  font  hern  provinces 
who  kept  negroes — His  infitmg  the  north- 
ern parts  of  New-Jerfey  the  fame  year,  and 
the  ivcjlcrn  parts  of  Maryland  and  Penn- 
fyl'uania  in  1767,  and  afterwards  other 
parts  of  Pennfylvania  and  the  families  of 
friends  at  Mount-Holly  ;  and  again  federal- 
parts  of  Maryland  in  1768 — Further  con- 
Jlderations  on  keeping  Jiaves  ;  and  his  con- 
cern for  having  formerly  ^  as  an  executor^  been 
party  to  the  fale  of  one ;  and  what  he 
did  in  confluence  of  it  - —  Thoughts  on 

friends 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     171 

friends    exerciftng    offices   in   civil  gQvern- 
ment, 

THE  latter  part  of  the  fummer,  1763, 
there  came  a  man  to  Mount-Holly, 
who  had  before  publilhed,  by  a  printed 
advertifement,  that  at  a  certain  publick- 
houfe,  he  would  fhew  many  wonderful  ope- 
rations, which  he  therein  enumerated. 

This  man,  at  the  time  appointed,  did, 
by  flight  of  hand,  fundry  things ;  which, 
to  thofe  gathered,  'appeared  flrange. 

The  next  day,  I  hearing  of  it,  and  un- 
derflanding  that  the  mew  was  to  be  conti- 
nued the  next  night,  and  the  people  to  meet 
about  fun-fet,  felt  an  exercife  on  that  ac-» 
count:  fo  I  went  to  the  publick-houfe  in 
the  evening,  and  told  the  man  of  the  houfe 
that  I  had  an  inclination  to  fpend  a  part 
of  the  evening  there  ;  with  which  he  figni- 
fied  that  he  was  content.  Then  litting  down 
by  the  door,  I  fpake  to  the  peop'le  as  they 
came  together,  concerning  this  fhew;  and 
more  coming  and  fitting  down  with  us,  the 
feats  at  the  door  were  moflly  filled ;  and  I 
had  converfation  with  them  in  the  fear  of 
the  Lord,  and  laboured  to  convince  them 
that  thus  aflembling  to  fee  thofe  tricks  or 
flights  of  hands,  and  beftowing  their  mo- 
ney to  fupport  men  who  in*  that  capacity 
were  of  no  ufe  in  the  world,  was  contrary 
to  the  nature  of  the  chriflian  religion. 

There  was  one  of  the  company  who,  for  a 
time,  endeavoured  by  arguments  to  fhew 

the 


i72     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

the  reafonablenefs  of  their  proceedings  here- 
in ;  but  after  confidering  fome  texts  of  fcrip- 
ture,  and  calmly  debating  the  matter,  he 
gave  up  the  point.  So  having  fpent  about 
an  hour  amongft  them,  and  feeling  my 
mind  eafy,  I  departed. 

At  our  yearly-meeting  at  Philadelphia,  on 
the  twenty-fifth  day  of  the  ninth  month, 
1764,  John  Smith  of  Maryborough,  aged 
upwards  of  eighty  years,  a  faithful  minifler, 
tho'  not  eloquent,  flood  up  in  our  meeting 
of  miniflers  and  elders,  and  appearing  to 
be  under  a  great  exercife  of  fpirit,  informed 
friends  in  fubflance  as  follows  :  to  wit, 
"  That  he  had  been  a  member  of  the  fociety 
upward  of  fixty  years,  and  well  remembered 
that  in  thofe  early  times  friends  were  a  plain 
lowly-minded  people  ;  and  that  there  was 
much  tendernefs  and  contrition  in  their 
meetings. — That  at  twenty  years  from  that 
time,  the  fociety  increafing  in  wealth,  and  in 
fome  degree  conforming  to  the  fafhions  of  the 
world,  true  humility  was  lefs  apparent,  and 
their  meetings  in  general  not  fo  lively  and 
edifying — That  at  the  end  of  forty  years, 
many  of  them  were  grown  very  rich ;  that 
wearing  of  fine  coflly  garments,  and  ufing  of 
iilver  (and  other)  watches,  became  cuftomary 
with  them,  their  fons,  and  their  daughters,  and 
many  of  the  fociety  made  a  fpacious  appear- 
ance in  the  world  ;  which  marks  of  outward 
wealth  and  greatnefs,  appeared  on  fome  in 
our  meetings  of  miniflers  and  elders ;  and 
iis  thefe  things  became  more  prevalent,  ib. 

the 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     173 

tiie  powerful  overfhadowings  of  the  Holy 
Ghoft  were  lefs  manifeft  in  the  Society — 
That  there  had  been  a  continued  increafe  of 
thefe  ways  of  life  even  until  now ;  and  that 
the  weaknefs  which  hath  now  overfpread 
the  fociety,  and  the  barrennefs  manifell 
amongfl  us,  is  matter  of  much  forrow." 
He  then  mentioned  the  uncertainty/  of  his 
attending  thefe  meetings  in  future,  expect- 
ing his  diffolution  was  now  near  ;  and  hav- 
ing tenderly  exprefTed  his  concern  for  us, 
fignified  that  he  had  feen  in  the  true  light 
that  the  Lord  would  bring  back  his  people 
from  thefe  things  into  which  they  were  thus 
degenerated,  but  that  his  faithful  fervants 
mufl  firft  go  thro'  great  and  heavy  exer- 
cifes  therein. 

On  the  twenty-ninth  day,  the  Committee 
appointed  by  the  yearly-meeting  to  viiit 
the  quarterly  and  monthly  meetings,  now 
gave  an  account  in  writing  of  their  proceed- 
ings in  that  fervice  ;  in  which  they  figni- 
fied, that  in  the  courfe  of  it,  they  had  been 
apprehenfive  that  fome  per/ons  holding  of- 
fices in  government,  inconfiftent  with  our 
principles  ;  and  others  who  kept  flaves,  re- 
maining aclive  members  in  our  meetings  of 
difcipline,  had  been  one  means  of  weaknefs 
more  and  more  prevailing  in  the  manage- 
ment thereof  in  fome  places.  After  this  re- 
port was  read,  an  exercife  revived  on  my 
mind,  which,  at  times,  had  attended  me  fe- 
veral  years,  and  inward  cries  to  the  Lord 
were  railed  in  me,  that  the  fear  of  man 

might 


$74    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

might  not  prevent  me  from  doing  what  he 
required  of  me  ;  and  {landing  up,  I  fpake 
in  fubflance  as  follows :  "  I  have  felt  a  ten- 
dernefs  in  my  mind  toward  perfons,  in  two 
circumftances  mentioned  in  that  report ; 
that  is,  toward  fuch  active  members  who 
keep  flaves,  and  fuch  who  hold  offices  in.  ci- 
vil government  ;  and  have,  defired,  that 
friends  in  all  their  conduct  may  be  kindly 
afFeclioned  one  'toward  another.  Many 
friends,  who  keep  flares,  are  under  fome 
exercife  on  that  account  ;  and,  at  times, 
think  about  trying  them  with  freedom ;  but 
find  many  things  in  their  way  :  and  the1 
way  of  livingr  and  annual  expenccs  of  fome 
of  them  are  fuch,  that  it  feems  impractica- 
ble for  them  to  fet  their  flaves  free,  without 
changing  their  own  way  of  life.  It  has  been 
my  lot  to  be  often  abroad ;  and  I  have  ob- 
ferved  in  fome  places,  at  quarterly  and  year- 
ly meetings,  and  at  fome  houfes  where  tra- 
velling friends  and  their  horfes  are  often 
entertained,  that  the  yearly  expence  of  in- 
dividuals therein  is  very  confiderable  :  and 
friends  in  fome  places  crouding  much  on 
perfons  in  thefe  circumftances  for  entertain- 
ment, hath  often  re  (led  as  a  burthen  on  my 
mind  for  fome  years  paft  ;  and  I  now  ex- 
prefs  it  in- the  fear  of  the  Lord,  greatly  de- 
firing  that  friends  now  prefent  may  duly 
confider  it." 

In   the  fall  of  this  year,  having  hired  a 
man  to  work,    I  perceived  in  convcrfatioiv 
that  he  had  been  a  fbldier  in  die  iate  war  on 

this 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN. 

this  continent  ;  and  in  the  evening,  giving 
a.  narrative  of  his  captivity  among!!:  the  In- 
dians, he  informed  me  that  he  law  two  of 
his  fellow  captives  tortured  to  death  in  a^vcry 
cruel  manner. 

This  relation  affected  me  with  fadnefs, 
under  which  I  went  to  bed;  and  the  next 
morning,  foon  after  I  awoke,  a  frefh  and 
living  fenfe  of  divine  love  was  fpread  over 
my  mind  ;  in  which  I  had  a  renewed  pro- 
fpecl  of  the  nature  of  that  wifdom  from 
above,  which  leads  to  a  right  ufe  of  all  gifts, 
both  fpiritual  and  temporal,  and  gives  con- 
tent therein  :  under  a  feeling  thereof,  I 
wrote  as  follows : 

"  Hath  He,  who  gave  me  a  being  attend- 
ed with  many  wants  unknown  to  brute- 
creatures,  given  me  a  capacity  fuperior  to 
theirs  ?  and  fhewn  me,  that  a  moderate  ap- 
plication to  buiinefs  is  proper  to  my  prefent 
condition  ;  and  that  this,  attended  with  his 
Melting,  may  fupply  all  outward  wants, 
while  they  remain  within  the  bounds  he 
hath  fixed  ;  and  no  imaginary  wants  pro- 
ceeding from  an  evil  fpirit,  have  any  place 
in  me  ?  Attend  theji,  O  my  foul  !  to  this 
pure  wifdom,  as  thy  fure  conductor  thro* 
the  manifold  dangers  in  this  world !" 

"  Doth  pride  lead  to  vanity  ?  Doth  vani- 
ty form  imaginary  wants  ?  Do  thefe  wants 
prompt  men  to  exert  their  powerxin  requir- 
ing that  of  others,  which  themfelves  would, 
rather  be  excufed  from,  v;erc  the  fame  re- 
quired of  them  ?" 

ct  Do 


176     THE    LIFE    AND   TRAVELS 

"  Do  thofe  proceedings  beget  hard 
thoughts  ?  Do  hard  thoughts,  when  ripej 
become  malice  ?  Does  malice,  when  ripe, 
become  revengeful  ;  and  in  the  end  inflict 
terrible  pains  on  their  fellow-creatures,  and 
ipread  defolations  in  the  world  ?" 

"  Doth  mankind,  walking  in  uprightnefs^ 
delight  in  each  other's  happinefs  ?  And  do 
thefe  creatures,  capable  of  this  attainment 
by  giving  way  to  an  evil  fpirit,  employ  their 
wit  and  ftreiigth  to  afflict  and  deftroy  one 
another  ?" 

"  Remember  then,  O  my  foul!  the  quietude 
of  thofe  in  whom  Chrift  governs,  and  in  all 
thy  proceedings  feel  after  it !" 

"  Doth  he  coiidefcend  to  blefs  thee  with 
his  prefence  ?  To  move  and  influence  to 
action  ?  To  dwell  in  thee,  and  walk  in  thee  ? 
Remember  then  thy  ftation,  as  a  being  fa- 
cred  to  God ;  accept  of  the  flrength  freely 
offered  thee  ;  and  take  heed  that  no  weak- 
nefs,  in  conforming  to  expenfive,  unwife, 
and  hard-hearted  cuftoms,  gendering  to  dif- 
cord  and  ftrife,  be  given  way  to.  Doth  he 
claim  my  body  as  his  temple  ?  And  graci- 
oufly  grant  that  I  may  be  facred  to  him. 
Oh !  that  I  may  prize  this  favour  ;  and  that 
my  whole  life  may  be  conformable  to  this 
character  !" 

"  Remember,  O  my  foul !  that  the  prince 
of  peace  is  thy  Lord :  that  he  communicates 
his  unmixed  wifdom  to  his  family ;  that 
they  living  in  perfect  fimplicity,  may  give 

no 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      177 

no  juft  caufe  of  offence  to"  any  creature,  but 
inay  walk  as  he  walked !" 

Having  felt  an  opennefs  in  my  heart  to- 
ward vifiting  families  in  our  own  meeting, 
and  efpecially  in  the  town  of  Mount-Holly, 
the  place  of  my  abode,  I  mentioned  it  in 
our  monthly-meeting  the  fore-part  of  the 
winter  1764;  which  being  agreed  to,  and 
feveral  friends  of  our  meeting  being  united 
in  the  exercife,  we  proceeded  therein ;  and 
through  divine  favour  were  helped  in  the 
work,  fo  that  it  appeared  to  me  as  a  freih 
reviving  of  godly  care  amongft  friends  :  and 
the  latter  part  of  the  fame  winter,  I  joined 
my  friend  William  Jones,  in  a  vifit  to  friends 
families  in  Mansfield  ;  in  which  labour,  I 
.had  caufe  to  admire  the  goodnefs  of  the* 
Lord  toward  us. 

Having  felt  my  mind  drawn  toward  a 
vifit  to  friends  along  the  fea-coail  from  Cape 
May  to  near  Squan ;  and  alfo  to  vifit  fome 
people  in  thofe  parts,  amongft  whom  there 
is  no  fettled  worihip  ;  I  joined,  with  my  be- 
loved friend  Benjamin  Jones,  in  a  vifit  there, 
having  friends  unity  therein  :  and  fetting  off 
the  twenty-fourth  day  of  the  tenth  month, 
1765,  we  had  a  profperous  and  very  fatis- 
faclory  journey ;  feeling,  at  times,  thro'  the 
goodnefs  of  the  heavenly  Shepherd,  the  gof- 
pel  to  flow  freely  toward  a  poor  people  fcat- 
.tered  in  thofe  places  :  and  foon  after  our  re- 
turn, I  joined  my  friends  John  Sleeper  and 
Elizabeth  Smith,  in  vifiting  friends  families 
N  at 


178     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

at  Burlington,  there  being  at  this  time 
about  fifty  families  of  our  fociety  in  that 
city;  and  we  had  caufe  humbly  to  adore 
our  heavenly  Father,  who  baptized  us  in- 
to a  feeling  of  the  flate  of  the  people,  and 
ftrengthened  us  to  labour  in  true  gofpel  love 
amongft  them. 

An  exercife  having,  at  times,  for  feveral 
years,  attended  me,  in  regard  to  paying  a 
religious  vifit  to  friends  on  the  Eaftern  Shore 
of  Maryland  :  fuch  was  the  nature  of  this 
exercife,  that  I  believed  the  Lord  moved  me 
to  travel  on  foot  amongft  them,  that  by  fo 
travelling  I  might  have  a  more  lively  feeling 
of  the  condition  of  the  opprefled  Haves,  fet 
an  example  of  lowlinefs  before  the  eyes  of 
their  mafters,  and  be  more  out  of  the  way  of 
temptation  to  unprofitable  converfe. 

The  time  now  drawing  near  in  which  I 
believed  it  my  duty  to  lay  my  concern  be- 
fore our  monthly  meeting,  I  perceived  in 
converfation  with  my  beloved  friend  John 
Sleeper,  that  he  was  under  a  concern  to  tra- 
vel the  fame  way,  and  alfo  to  travel  on  foot 
in  the  form  of  a  fervant  amongft  them,  as 
he  expreft  it.  This  he  told  me  before  he 
knew  aught  of  my  exercife. 

We  being  thus  drawn  the  fame  way,  laid 
our  exercile  and  the  nature  of  it  before 
friends  ;  and  obtaining  certificates,  we  fet 
off  the  fixth  day  of  the  fifth  month,  1766; 
and  were  at  meetings  with  friends  at  Wil- 
mington, Duck-Creek,  Little-Creek  and  Mo- 

therkill ; 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN. 

therkill ;  my  heart  being  fundry  times  ten- 
dered under  the  divine  influence,  and  en- 
larged in  love  toward  the  people  amongft 
whom  we  travelled. 

From  Motherkill,  we  croffed  the  country 
about  thirty-five  miles  to -friends  at  Tucka- 
hoe  in  Maryland,  and  had  a  meeting  there 
and  at  Marfhy-Creek. 

At  thefe,  our  three  lali  meetings,  were  a 
confiderable  number  of  people,  followers  of 
one  Jofeph  Nichols,  a  preacher ;  who,  I  un- 
derfland,  is  not  in  outward  fellowihip  with 
any  religious  fbciety  of  people,  but  profefT- 
eth  nearly  the  fame  principles  as  our  fociety 
doth,  and  often  travels  up  and  down  ap- 
pointing meetings,  to  which  many  people 
come.  I  heard  fome  friends  fpeaking  of  ibine 
of  their  neighbours,  who  had  been  irreligi- 
ous people,  that  were  now  his  followers,  and 
were  become  fober  well-behaved  men  and 
women. 

Some  irregularities,  I  hear,  have  been 
amongft  the  people  at  feveral  of  his  meet- 
ings ;  but  from  the  whole  of  what  I  have 
perceived,  I  believe  the  man  and  fome  of  his 
followers,  are  honeftly  difpoied,  but  that 
fkilful  fathers  are  wanting  among  them  : 
from  hence  we  went  to  Choptank  and  Third 
Haven  ;  and  thence  to  Queen  Ann's.  The 
weather  having  fome  days  pail  been  hot  and 
dry,  and  we  to  attend  meetings  purfuant  ta 
appointment,  having  travelled  pretty  fteadily, 
and  had  hurd  labour  in  meetings,  I  grew 
N  2  weakly. 


i8o    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

weakly ;  at  which  I  was  for.  a  time  difcou- 
raged  ;  but  looking  over  our  journey,  and 
thinking  how  the  Lord  had  fupported  our 
minds  and  bodies,  fo  that  we  got  forward 
much  fafter  than  I  expected  before  we  came 
out,  I  now  faw  that  I  had  been  in  danger  of 
too  ftrongly  defiring  to  get  foon  through  the 
journey,  and  that  this  bodily  weaknefs  now 
attending  me  was  a  kindnefs  to  me  ;  and 
then,  in  contrition  of  fpirit,  I  became  very 
thankful  to  my  gracious  Father,  for  this  ma- 
nifeftation  of  his  love;  and  in  humble  fub- 
miffion  to  his  will,  my  truft  was  renewed  in 
him. 

On  this  part  of  our  journey,  I  had  many 
thoughts  on  the  different  circumftances  of 
friends  who  inhabit  Pennfylvaiiia  and  Jer- 
fey,  from  thofe  who  dwell  in  Maryland,  Vir- 
ginia, and  Carolina.  Pennfylvaiiia  and  New- 
Jerfey  were  fettled  by  many  friends,  who 
were  convinced  of  our  principles  in  England 
in  times  of  fufferings,  and  coming  over 
bought  lands  of  the  natives,  and  applied 
themfelves  to  hufbandry  in  a  peaceable  way ; 
and  many  of  their  children  were  taught  to 
labour  for  their  living. ' 

Few  friends,  I  believe,  came  from  Eng- 
land to  fettle  in  any  of  thefe  fouthern  pro- 
vinces ;  but  by  the  faithful  labours  of  tra- 
velling friends  in  early  times,  there  was  con- 
fiderable  conviiicements  amoiigft  the  inhabi- 
tants of  thefe  parts.  Here  I  remembered  my 
reading  of  the  warlike  difpofition  of  many 

of 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     i8j 

of  the  firfl  fettlers  in  thofe  provinces,  and 
of  their  numerous  engagements  with  the  na- 
tives, in  which  much  blood  was  med,  even 
in  the  infancy  of  thofe  colonies.  Thefe  peo- 
ple, inhabiting  thofe  places,  being  grounded 
in  cufloms  contrary  to  the  pure  truth,  when 
fome  of  them  were  affected  with  the  power- 
ful preaching  of  the  Word  of  Life,  and 
joined  in  fellowihip  with  our  fociety,  they 
had  a  great  work  to  go  through.  It  is  ob- 
fervable  in  the  Hiftory  of  the  Reformation 
from  Popery,  that  it  had  a  gradual  progrefs 
from  age  to  age  :  the  uprightnefs  of  the 
firfl  reformers,  in  attending  to  the  light  and 
underftanding  given  them,  opened  the  way 
for  fincere-hearted  people  to  proceed  further 
afterward  ;  and  thus  each  one  truly  fearing 
God,  and  labouring  in  thofe  works  of  righte- 
oufnefs  appointed  for  them  in  their  day, 
findeth  acceptance  with  him :  though,  thro' 
the  darknefs  of  the  times,  and  the  corrup- 
tion of  manners  and  cufloms,  fome  upright 
men  may  have  had  little  more  for  their  day's 
work  than  to  attend  to  the  righteous  princi- 
ple'in  their  minds,  as  it  related  to  their  own 
conduct  in  life,  without  pointing  out  to 
others  the  whole  extent  of  that,  which  the 
fame  principle  would  lead  fucceeding  ages 
into.  Thus  for  inftance  ;  amongfl  an  impe- 
rious warlike  people,  fupported  by  opprefied 
flaves,  fome  of  thefe  mailers,  I  fuppofe,  are 
awakened  to  feel  and  fee  their  error ;  andx 
thro'  fincere  repentance,  ceafe  from  oppref- 

fion. 


182      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

fion,  and  become  like  fathers  to  their  fer- 
yants ;  (hewing,  by  their  example,  a  pat- 
tern of  humility  in  living,  and  moderation 
in  governing,  for  the  inftruction  and  admo- 
nition of  their  oppreffing  neighbours  ;  thofe 
without  carrying  the  reformation  further, 
I  believe  have  found  acceptance  with  the 
Lord.  Such  was  the  beginning;  and  thofe 
who  fucceeded  them,  and  have  faithfully  at- 
tended to  the  nature  and  fpirit  of  the  re- 
formation, have  feen  the  necemty  of  pro- 
ceeding forward;  and  not  only  to  inftrudl 
others,  by  their  example,  in  governing  well, 
but  alfo  to  ufe  means  to  prevent  their  fuc- 
ceilbrs  from  having  fo  much  power  to  op- 
prefs  others, 

Here  I  was  renewed! y  confirmed  in  my 
mind,  that  the  Lord  (whofe  tender  mercies 
are  over  all  his  works,  and  whofe  ear  is  open 
to  the  cries  and  groans  of  the  oppreffed)  is 
gracioufly  moving  on  the  hearts  of  people, 
to  draw  them  off  from  the  defire  of  wealth, 
and  bring  them  into  fuch  an  humble,  lowly 
way  of  living,  that  they  may  fee  their  way' 
clearly,  to ''  repair  to  the  ftandard  of  true 
righteoufnels ;  and  not  only  break  the  yoke 
of  oppreflion,  but  know  him  to  be  their 
ftrength  and  fupport  in  a  time  of  outward 
affliction. 

We  pafling  on  crofTed  Chefler-River  ;  and 
had  a  meeting  there,  and  at  Cecil  and  SafTa- 
fras.  Thro'  my  bodily  weaknefs,  joined  with 
a  heavy  exercife  of  mind,  it  was  to  me  an; 

humbling 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      183 

humbling  difpenfation,  and  I  had  a  very 
lively  feeling  of  the  ftate  of  the  opprefTed  ; 
yet  I  often  thought,  that  what  I  fuffered  was 
little,  compared  with  the  fufferings  of  the 
blefTed  Jefus,  and  many  of  his  faithful  fol- 
lowers ;  and  may  fay  with  thankfulnefs,  I 
was  made  content. 

From  SafTafras  we  went  pretty  directly 
home,  where  we  found  our  families  well ; 
and  for  fever al  weeks  after  our  return,  I  had. 
often  to  look  over  our  journey  :  and  tho'  to 
me  it  appeared  as  a  fmall  fervice,  and  that 
fome  faithful  meflengers  will  yet  have  more 
bitter  cups  to  drink  in  thofe  fouthern  pro- 
vinces for  Chrift's  fake  than  we  had ;  yet  I 
found  peace  in  that  I  had  been  helped  to 
walk  in  fincerity,  according  to  the  under- 
flanding  and  ftrength  given  me. 

On  the  thirteenth  day  of  the  eleventh 
mouth,  1766,  with  the  unity  of  friends  at 
our  monthly-meeting,  in  company  with  my 
beloved  friend  Benjamin  Jones,  I  fat  out  on 
a  viiit  to  friends  in  the  upper  part  of  this 
province,  having  had  drawings  of  love  in 
my  heart  that  way  a  conliderable  time :  we 
travelled  as  far  as  Hardwick  ;  and  I  had  in- 
ward peace  in  my  labours  of  love  arnongft 
them. 

Thro'  the  humbling  difpenfations  of  Di- 
vine Providence,  my  mind  hath  been  brought 
into  a  further  feeling  of  the  difficulties  of 
friends  and  their  fervants  fouth-weflward : 
and  being  often  engaged  in  fpirit  on  their 

account 


1 84    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

account,  I  believed  it  my  duty  to  walk  into 
fome  parts  of  the  weftern  fhore  of  Mary- 
land, on  a  religious  vifit :  and  having  ob- 
tained a  certificate  from  friends  of  our  month- 
ly-meeting, I  took  my  leave  of  my  family 
under  the  heart-tendering  operation  of  truth ; 
and  on  the  twentieth  day  of  the  fourth 
month,  1767,  I  rode  to  the  ferry  oppofite  to 
Philadelphia,  and  from  thence  walked  tq 
William  Home's  at  Derby  that  evening  ;  and 
next  day  purfued  my  journey  alone,  and 
reached  Concord  week-day  meeting. 

Difcouragements  and  a  weight  of  diftrefs 
had,  at  times,  attended  me  in  this  lonefome 
walk  ;  thro*  which  afflictions,  I  was  merci- 
fully preferred  :  and  now  fitting  down  with 
friends,  my  mind  was  turned  toward  the 
Lord,  to  wait  for  his  holy  leadings ;  who, 
in  infinite  love,  was  pleafed  to  fbfteii  my 
heart  into  humble  contrition,  and  did  re- 
neweclly  ftrengthen.  me  to  go  forward  ;  that 
to  me  it  was  a  time  of  heavenly  refreshment 
in  a  filent  meeting. 

The  next  day  I  came  to  New-Garden 
week-day  meeting,  in  which  I  fat  with  bow- 
ednefs  of  fpirit ;  and  being  baptized  into  a 
feeling  of  the  ftate  of  fome  prefent,  the 
Lord  gave  us  a  heart-tendering  feafoii  ;  to 
his  name  be  the  praife. 

I  pafled  on,  and  was  at  Nottingham  month- 
ly-oneeting  ;  and  at  a  meeting  at  Little  Bri- 
tain on  firfl-day  :  and  in  the  afternoon  fc- 
yeral  friends  came  to  the  houfe  where  I 

lodged. 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      185 

lodged,  and  we  had  a  little  afternoon- meet- 
ing; and  thro'  the  humbling  power  of  truth, 
J  had  to  admire  the  loving-kindnefs  of  the 
Lord  manifefled  to  us. 

On  the  twenty-fixth  day,  I  eroded  Suf- 
quehannah ;  and  coming  amongft  people  in 
outward  eafe  and  greatnefs,  chiefly  on  the 
labour  of  flaves,  my  heart  was  much  afFecl:- 
ed ;  and  in  awful  retirednefs,  my  mind  was 
gathered  inward  to  the  Lord,  being  humbly 
engaged  that  in  true  refignation  I  might  re- 
ceive inftruclion  from  him,  refpecling  my 
duty  amongft  this  people. 

Tho'  travelling  on  foot  was  wearifome  to 
my  body ;  yet  thus  travelling,  was  agree- 
able to  the  ftate  of  my  mind. 

I  went  gently  on,  being  weakly  ;  and  was 
covered  with  forrow  and  heavinefs,  on  ac- 
count of  the  fpreading  prevailing  fpirit  of 
this  world,  introducing  cufloms  grievous  and 
oppreilive  on  one  hand,  and  cherifhing  pride 
and  wantonnefs  on  the  other.  In  this  lonely 
walk,  and  ftate  of  abafement  and  humilia- 
tion, the  ftate  of  the  church  in  thefe  parts 
was  opened  before  me ;  and  I  may  truly  fay 
with  the  prophet,  "  I  was  bowed  down  at 
'  the  hearing  of  it ;  I  was  difmayed  at  the 
M  feeing  of  it."  Under  this  exercife,  I  at- 
tended the  quarterly- meeting  at  Gunpow- 
der j  and,  in  bowednefs  of  fpirit,  I  had  to 
open,  with  much  plainnefs,  what  I  felt  re- 
fpec~ling  friends  living  in  fullnefs,  on  the  la- 
tours  of  tne  poor  oppreffed  negroes  ;  and 

that 


i86    THE  LIFE   AND   TRAVELS 

that  promife  of  the  Moft  High  was  now  re- 
vived :  "I  will  gather  all  nations  and 
"  tongues  ;  and  they  fhall  come  and  fee  my 
"  glory."  — Here  the  fufferings  of  Chrift, 
and  his  tafting  death  for  every  man,  and  the 
travels,  fufferings,  and  martyrdoms  of  the 
apoftles,  and  primitive  chriflians,  in  labour- 
ing for  the  conveiiion  of  the  gentiles,  was 
livingly  revived  in  me ;  and  according  to  the 
ineafure  of  flrength  afforded,  I  laboured  in 
fome  tendernefs  of  fpirit,  being  deeply  af- 
fected amongfl  them  :  and  thus  the  differ- 
ence between  the  prefent  treatment  which 
thefe  gentiles  the  negroes  receive  at  our 
hands,  and  the  labours  of  the  primitive 
chriflians  for  the  converfion  of  the  gentiles, 
was  preffed  home,  and  the  power  of  truth 
came  over  us  ;  under  a  feeling  of  which, 
my  mind  was  united  to  a  tender-hearted 
people  in  thofe  parts ;  and  the  meeting  con- 
cluded in  a  fenfe  of  God's  goodnefs  toward 
his  humble  dependant  children. 

The  next  day  was  a  general  meeting  for 
worfhip,    much  crouded  ;    in  which    I    wasi 
deeply  engaged  in  inward  cries  to  the  Lord1 
for  help,  that  I  might  fland  wholly  refigned, 
and  move  only  as   he  might  be  pleafed   to 
lead  me :  and  I  was  mercifully  helped  to  la-  :' 
hour  honeflly  and  fervently  amongft  them, 
in  which  I  found  inward  peace ;  and  the  fin- 
cere  were  comforted. 

From  hence  I  turned  toward  Pipe-Creek, 
and  paffed  on  to  the  Red-Lands  j  and  had 

feveral 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.       187 

feveral  meetings  amongft  friends  in  thofe 
parts.  My  heart  was  often  tenderly  affect- 
ed, under  a  fenfe  of  the  Lord's  goodnefs,  in 
fancliifying  my  troubles  and  exercifes,  turn- 
ing them  to  my  comfort,  and,  I  believe,  to 
the  benefit  of  many  others  ;  for,  I  may  fay 
with  thankfulnefs,  that  in  this  vifit,  it  ap- 
peared like  a  frefh  tendering  viiitation  in 
moft  places. 

I  palled  on  to  the  weflern  quarterly-meet- 
ing in  Pennfylvania  ;  during  the  feveral  days 
of  this  meeting,  I  was  mercifully  preferved 
in  an  inward  feeling  after  the  mind  of  truth, 
and  my  publick  labours  tended  to  my  humi- 
liation, with  which  I  was  content  :  and  after 
the  quarterly-meeting  of  worfhip  ended,  I 
felt  drawings  to  go  to  the  women's  meet- 
ing bf  bufinefs  ;  which  was  very  full  :  and 
here  the  humility  of  Jefus  Chrift,  as  a  pat- 
tern for  us  to  walk  by,  was  livingly  opened 
before  me  ;  and  in  treating  on  it,  my  heart 
was  enlarged  ;  and  it  was  a  baptizing  time. 
From  hence  I  went  on ;  and  was  at  meet- 
ings at  Concord,  Middletown,  Providence, 
and  Haddonfield,  and  fo  home ;  where  I 
found  my  family  well.  A  fenfe  of  the  Lord's 
merciful  prefervation  in  this  my  journey,  ex- 
cites reverent  thankfulnefs  to  him. 

On  the  fecond  day  of  the  ninth  month, 
1767,  with  the  unity  of  friends,  I  fet  oiF 
on  a  vifit  to  friends  in  the  upper  part  of 
Berks  and  Philadelphia  counties  ;  was  at 
eleven  meetings  in  about  two  weeks ;  and 

have 


i88      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

have  renewed  caufe  to  bow  in  reverence  be- 
fore the  Lord,  who,  by  the  powerful  extend- 
ings  of  his  humbling  goodnefs,  opened  my 
way  amongft  friends,  and  made  the  meet- 
ings (I  trufl)  profitable  to  us.  And  the  win- 
ter following,  I  joined  friends  on  a  vifit  to 
friends  families,  in  fome  part  of  our  meet- 
ing ;  in  which  exercife,  the  pure  influence 
of  divine  love,  made  our  vifits  reviving. 

On  the  fifth  day  of  the  fifth  month,  1768, 
I  left  home,  under  the  humbling  hand  of 
the  Lord,  having  obtained  a  certificate,  in 
order  to  vifit  fome  meetings  in  Maryland ; 
and  to  proceed  without  a  horfe  looked  clear- 
ed to  me.  I  was  at  the  quarterly-meetings  at 
Philadelphia  and  Concord;  and  then  .went 
on  to  Cheiler  river  ;  and  croiliiig  the  Bay 
with  friends,  was  at  the  yearly-meeting  at 
Weft-River  :  thence  back  to  Chefter-River ; 
and  taking  a  few  meetings  in  my  way,  pro- 
ceeded home.  It  was  a  journey  of  much  in- 
ward waiting  ;  and  as  my  eye  was  to  the 
Lord,  way  was,  feveral  times,  opened  to  my 
humbling  admiration,  when  things  had  ap- 
peared very  difficult. 

In  my  return,  I  felt  a  relief  of  mind,  very 
comfortable  to  me  ;  having,  thro'  divine 
help,  laboured  in  much  plaiimefs,  both  with 
friends  felecled,  and  in  the  more  publick 
meetings :  fo  that  (I  trull)  the  pure  witnefs, 
in  many  minds,  was  reached. 

The  eleventh  day  of  the  fixth  month, 
1769.  Sundry  cafes  have  happened  of  late 

years, 


„  v*w  v 

OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     189 

years,  within  the  limits  of  our  monthly- 
meeting,  refpec~ling  that  of  exercifing  pure 
righteoufnefs  toward  the  negroes ;  in  which 
I  have  lived  under  a  labour  of  heart,  that 
equity  might  be  fteadily  kept  to.  On  this 
account,  I  have  had  fome  clofe  exercifes 
amongfl  friends  ;  in  which,  I  may  thank- 
fully fay,  I  find  peace  :  and  as  my  medita- 
tions have  been  on  univerfal  love,  my  own 
conduct  in  time  paft,  became  of  late  very 
grievous  to  me. 

As  perfons  letting  negroes  free  in  our  pro- 
vince, are  bound  by  law  to  maintain  them, 
in  cafe  they  have  need  of  relief;  fome  who 
fcrupled  keeping  flaves  for  term  of  life,  in  the 
time  of  my  youth,  were  wont  to  detain 
their  young  negroes  in  their  fervice  till  thir- 
ty years  of  age,  without  wages,  on  that  ac- 
count: and  with  this  cuftom  I  fo  far  agreed,^/)  c 
that  I,  being  joined  to  another  friend,  in 
executing  the  will  of  a  deceafed  friend,  once 
fold  a  negro  lad  till  he  might  attain  the  age 
of  thirty  years,  and  applied  the  money  to 
the  ufe  of  the  eftate. 

With  abafement  of  heart,  I  may  now  fay, 
that  fometimes,  as  I  have  fet  in  a  meeting, 
with  my  heart  exercifed  toward  that  awful 
Being,  who  refpecteth  not  perfons  nor  co- 
lours, and  have  looked  upon  this  lad,  I  have 
felt  that  all  was  not  clear  in  my  mind  re- 
fpedling  him  :  and  as  I  have  attended  to  this 
exercife,  and  fervently  fought  the  Lord,  it 
hath  appeared  to  me,  that  I  fhould  make 

forac 


190     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

fome  reflitution,  but  in  what  way  I  faw  not 
till  lately ;  when  being  under  fome  concern, 
that  I  may  be  refigned  to  go  on  a  vifit  to 
fome  part  of  the  Weft-Indies  ;  and  was  un- 
der clofe  engagement  of  fpirit,  feeking  to  the 
Lord  for  counfel  herein  :  that  of  my  joining 
in  the  fale  aforefaid,  came  he*avily  upon  me ; 
and  my  mind,  for  a  time,  was  covered  with 
darknefs  and  forrow  ;  and  under  this  fore 
affliction,  my  heart  was  foftened  to  receive 
inftruclion  :  and  here  I  firft  faw,  that  as  X 
had  been  one  of  the  two  executors,  who 
had  fold  this  lad  nine  years  longer  than  is 
common  for  our  own  children  to  ferve,  fo  I 
fliould  now  offer  a  part  of  my  fubftance  to 
redeem  the  laft  half  of  that  nine  years ;  but 
as  the  time  was  not  yet  come,  I  executed  a 
bond,  binding  me,  and  my  executors,  to 
pay  to  the  man  he  was  fold  to,  what  to  can- 
did men  might  appear  equitable,  for  the 
laft  four  years  and  a  half  of  his  time,  in 
cafe  the  faid  youth  fhould  be  living,  and  in  a 
condition  likely  to  provide  comfortably  for 
himfelf. 

The  ninth  day  of  the  tenth  month,  1769. 
My  heart  hath  often  been  deeply  afflicted 
under  a  feeling  I  have  had,  that  the  ftand- 
ard  of  pure  righteoufnefs,  is  not  lifted  up  to 
the  people  by  us,  as  a  fociety,  in  that  clear- 
nefs  which  it  might  have  been,  had  we  been 
fo  faithful  to  the  teachings  of  Chrift,  as  we 
ought  to  have  been  :  and  as  my  mind  hath 
been  inward  to  the  Lord,  the  purity  of 

Chrift's 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     191 

Chrift's  government  hath  been  opened  in  my 
uiiderftanding  ;  and  under  this  exercife,  that 
of  friends  being  active  in  civil  fociety,  in 
putting  laws  in  force  which  are  not  agree- 
able to  the  purity  of  righteoufnefs,  hath, 
for  feveral  years,  been  an  increafing  bur- 
then upon  me";  having  felt,  in  the  open- 
ings of  univerfal  love,  that  where  a  people 
convinced  of  the  truth  of  the  inward  teach- 
ings of  Chrift,  are  aclive  in  putting  laws  in 
execution,  which  are  not  confiflent  with 
pure  wifdom,  it  hath  a  neceflary  tendency  to 
bring  dimnefs  over  their  minds  :  and  as  my 
heart  hath  been  thus  exercifed,  and  a  tender 
fympathy  in  me  toward  my  fellow  members, 
I  have,  within  a  few  months  paft,  in  feveral 
meetings  for  difcipline,  exprefTed  my  con- 
cern on  this  fubjeft. 


CHAP. 


192      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 


CHAP      X. 


Under  fome  bodily  indifpofition,  his  body,  by 
abftinence,  much  'weakened  ;  and  his  mind, 
at  that  time,  exercifed  for  the  good  of  the. 
people  in  the  Weft- Indies  —  His  afterwards 
communicating  to  friends  his  being  reftgned 
to  vifit  fome  of  thefe  ijlands  —  Thejiate  of 
his  mind,  and  the  clofe  confiderations  he  'was 
led  into,  while  under  this  exercife  —  His 
preparations  to  embark,  and  his  considerations 
on  the  trade  to  thefe  ijlands ;  and  his  being, 
•when  the  vejjel  "was  ready  to  fail,  releafed 
from  the  concern  he  had  been  under  —  His 
religious  engagements  after  his  return  home 
—  Hisficknejs,  in  'which  he  ewas  brought  to 
a  very  hrw  Jlate  ;  and  the  profpecis  he  then 
had. 

THE  twelfth  day  of  the  third  month, 
having,  for  fome  years  paft,  dieted 
myfelf  on  account  of  a  lump  gathering  on 
my  nofe  ;  under  this  diet,  I  grew  weak  in 
body,  and  not  of  ability  to  travel  by  land 
as  heretofore:  I  was,  at  times,  favoured  to 
look  with  awfulnefs  toward  the  Lord,  before 
whom  are  all  my  ways,  who  alone  hath  the 
power  of  life  and  death ;  and  to  feel  thankful- 
nefs  raifed  in  me,  for  this  his  fatherly  chaftife- 
ment,  believing,  if  I  was  truly  humbled  un- 
der 


o*     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     193 

der  it,  all  would  work  for  good.  While  I 
was  under  this  bodily  weaknefs,  my  mind 
being,  at  times,  exercifed  for  my  feilow- 
creatures  in  the  Weft-Indies,  I  grew  jealous 
over  myfelf,  left  the  difagreeablenefs  of  the 
profpeci  mould  hinder  me  from  obediently- 
attending  thereto :  for  tho'  I  knew  not  that 
the  Lord  required  me  to  go  there ;  yet  I  be- 
lieved, that  refignation  was  now  called  for 
in  that  refpecl  :  and  feeling  a  danger  of  not: 
being  wholly  devoted  to  him,  I  was  fre- 
quently engaged  to  watch  unto  prayer,  that 
I  might  be  preferved  ;  and  upwards  of  a  year 
having  paffed,  I  walked  one  day  in  a  foii- 
f y  wood,  my  mind  being  covered  with  awful- 
"iiefs,  cries  were  raifed  in  rne  to  my  merciful 
Father,  that  he  would  gracioufly  keep  me  irr 
faithfulnefs  ;  and  it  then  fettled  on  my  mind 
as  a  duty,  to  open  my  condition  to  friends 
at  our  monthly-meeting  ;  which  I  did  fooii 
after,  as  follows : 

"  An  exercife  hath  attended  ine  for  fome 
time  paft,  and  of  late  been  more  weighty 
upon  me  ;  under  which,  I  believe  it  is  re- 
quired of  me  to  be  refigned  to  go  on  a  vifit 
to  fome  part  of  the  Weft-Indies  :"  and  in  the 
quarterly  and -.general  fpring  meeting,  I 
found  no  clc-arnefs  to  exprefs  any  thing  fur- 
ther, than  that  I  believed  reiignation  herein 
was  required  of  me  ;  and  having  obtained 
Certificates  from  all  faid  meetings,  I  felt  like 
*  fojourner  at  my  outward  habitation,  kepc 
free  from  worldly  encumbrances,  and  was 
O  often 


j94    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

often  bowed  in  fpirit  before  the  Lord,  with 
inward  breathings  to  him,  that  I  might  be 
rightly  directed.  And  I  may  here  note,  that 
what  I  have  before  related  of  my  being, 
when  young,  joined  as  an  executor  with  an- 
other friend,  in  executing  the  will  of  the 
deceafcd,  our  having  fold  a  negro  lad  till  he 
might  attain  the  age  of  thirty  years,  was 
now  the  occafion  of  great  forrovv  to  me  :  and 
after  having  fettled  matters  relating  to  this 
youth,  I  provided  a  fca-uorc  nhd  bed,  and 
things  for  the  voyage  ;  and  hearing  of  a 
veilel  likely  to  fail  from  Philadelphia  for  Bar- 
badoes,  I  ipake  with  one  of  the  owners  at 
Burlington,  and  foon  after  went  to  Phila- 
delphia on  purpoie  to  fpeak  with  him  again: 
at  which  time  he  told  me,  there  was  a  friend 
in  town  who  was  part  owner  of  the  faid 
veiTel ;  but  I  felt  no  inclination  to  fpeak  with 
him,  but  returned  home :  and  a  while  after, 
I  took  leave  of  my  family  ;  and  going  to  Phi- 
ladelphia, had  fome  weighty  converfation 
with  the  firfl-mentioned  owner,  and  ihewed 
him  a  writing,  as  follows  : 

"  On  the  twenty- fifth  day  of  the  eleventh 
month,  1769,  as  an  exercife,  with  .^efpecT;- 
to  a  vilit  to  Barbadoes,  hath  been  weighty 
on  my  mind,  I  may  exprefs  fome  of  the 
tryab  which  have  attended  me  ;  under  thefe 
tryals  I  have,  at  times,  rejoiced,  in  that  I 
have  felt  my  own  felf-will  fubjected." 

"  I  once,  fome  years  ago,  retailed  rum,r 
fugar,  and  molafles,  the  fruits  of  the  labour 

of 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN,    195 

of  flaves  ;  but  then,  had  not  much  concern 
about  them,  fave  only  that  the  rum  might 
be  vJkl  in  moderation ;  nor  was  this  concern 
fo  weightily  attended  to,  as  I  now  believe  it 
ought  to  have  been :  but  of  late  years  being 
further  informed,  refpecting  the  oppreilions 
too  generally  exercifed  in  thefe  iflands,  and 
thinking  often  on  the  degrees  that  are  in 
connections  of  intereft  and  feilowmip  with 
the  works  of  darknefs,  Ephe.  v.  ir.  And 
feeling  an  increafing  concern  to  be  wholly 
given  up  to  the  leadings  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
it  hath  appeared,  that  the  fmall  gain  I  got 
by  this  branch  of  trade,  mould  be  applied 
in  promoting  righteoufnefs  on  the  earth  ;  and 
were  the  firft  motion  toward  a  vifit  to  Bar- 
badoes :  I  believed  the  outward  fubftance  I 
poffefs  fhould  be  applied  in  paying  my  paf- 
fage,  if  I  go,  and  providing  things  in  a  low- 
ly way  for  my  fubfiftance  ;  but  when  the 
time  drew  near,  in  which,  I  believed,  it  re- 
quired of  me  to  be  in  readinefs,  a  difficulty 
arofe,  which  hath  been  a  continued  tryal  for 
fome  months  pail ;  under  which,  I  have, 
with  abafement  of  mind,  from  day  to  day, 
fought  the  Lord  for  inilrudlion ;  and  often 
had  a  feeling  of  the  condition  of  one  for- 
merly, who  bewailed  hirnfelf,  for  that  the 
Lord  hid  his  face  from  him. — During  thefe 
exercifes,  my  heart  hath  been  often  contrite ; 
and  I  have  had  a  tender  feeling  of  the  temp- 
tations of  my  fellow-creatures,  labouring  un- 
der thofe  expenfive  cuitoms  diftinguiiliable 

O   2  frOTT* 


196    THJ    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

from  the  fimplicity  that  there  is  in  .Chrift,  1 
Cor.  ii.  3.  and  fometimes  in  the  rene wings  of 
gofpel  love,  have  been  helped  to  miniller  to 
others." 

'"  That  which  hath  fo  clofely  engaged  my 
mind,  in  feeking  to  the  Lord  for  mftruclion 
is,  whether,  after  fo  full  information  of  the 
oppremon  the  Haves  in  the  Weft-Indies  lie 
under,  who  raife  the  Weil-India  produce,  as 
I  had  in  reading  a  caution  and  warning  to 
Great-Britain  and  her  colonies,  wrote  by 
Anthony  Benezet)  it  is  right  for  me  to  take 
a  paflage  in  a  veffel,  employed  in  the  Weft- 
India  trade?" 

"  To  trade  freely  with  oppreflbrs,  and  with-^ 
out  labouring  to  dimiade  from  fuch  unkind 
treatment,  feek  for  gain  by  fuch  traffick, 
tends,  I  believe,  to  make  them  more  eaiy, 
refpecling  their  coidudl,  than  they  would 
be,  if  the  caufe  of  univerfal  rlghteoufnefs- 
was  humbly  and  firmly  attended  to,  by  thofe 
in  general  with  whom  they  have  commerce ; 
and  that  complaint  of  the  Lord  by  his  pro- 
phet, "  They  have  ftrengthened  the  hands 
"  of  the  wicked,"  hath  very  often  revived 
in  my  mind ;  and  I  may  here  add  fonie  cir- 
cumftances  preceding  any  profpecl  of  a  yi- 
fit  there  :  the  cafe  of  David  hath  often  been 
before  me  of  late  years :  he  longed  for  fome 
water  in  a  well  beyond  an  army  of  Philif- 
tines,  at  war  with  Ifrael ;  and  fome  of  his- 
men,  to  pleafe  him,  ventured  their  lives  in 
palling  thro'  this  army,  and  brought  that 
Water."  "  It 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     197 

"  It  doth  not  appear  that  the  Ifrael:  tes  we  'j 
then  Icarce  of  waterj  but  rather,  tuac  UJL- 
vid  gave  way  to  delicacy  of  tafte  ;  but  hav- 
ing thought  on  the  danger  thefe  men  were^gr 
exDofed  to,  he  confidered  this  water  as  their 
blood,  and  his  heart  fmote  him  that  he  could 
not  drink  it,  but  poured  it  out  to  the  Lord, 
And  the  oppreilion  of  the  flaves,  which  I 
have  feen  in  feveral  journies  fouthward,  on 
this  continent,  and  the  report  of  their  treat- 
ment in  the  Weft-Indies  hath  deeply  afrecl- 
ed  me  ;  and  a  care  to  live  in  the  fpirit  of 
peace,  and  minifler  jufl  caufe  of  offence  to 
none  of  my  fellow-creatures,  hath,  from 
time  to  time,  livingly  revived  on  my  mind  ; 
and  under  this  exercife,  I,  for  fome  yearj 
paft,  declined  to  gratify  my  palate  with  thofe 
fugars." 

"  I  do  not  cenfure  my  brethren  in  thefe 
things  ;  but  believe  the  Father  of  mercies, 
to  whom  all  mankind  by  creation  are  equal- 
ly related,  hath  heard  the  groans  of  thele 
oppreiTed  people  ;  and  is  preparing  foon  to 
have  a  tender  feeling  of  their  condition  :  and 
the  trading  in,  or  frequent  uie  of,  any  pro- 
duce known  to  be  raifed  by  the  labours  of 
thofj  who  are  under  fuch  lamentable  opprel- 
fioii,  hath  appeared  to  be  a  fubjedl  which 
may  yet  more  require  the  ferious  confidera- 
tion  of  the  humble  followers  of  Chrift,  the 
prince  of  peace."  , 

"  Alter  long  and  mournful  exercife,  I  am 
now  free  to  mention  how  things  have  open- 


198     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

ed  in  my  mind,  with  defircs  that  if  it  may 
pleafe  the  Lord,  to  further  open  his  will  to 
any  of  his  children  in  this  matter,  they  may 
faithfully  follow  him  in  fuch  further  mani- 
feftation'." 

"  The  number  of  thofe  who  decline  the 
life  cf  the  Weft-India  produce,  en  account  of 
the  hard  uiage  of  the  Haves  who  raife  it,  ap- 
pears frnall,  even  amongft  people  truly  pi- 
ous ;  and  the  labours  in  chriftian  love,  on 
that  fubjecl,  of  thofe  who  do,  not  very  ex- 
tenfive." 

"  Were  the  trade  from  this  continent  to 
the  Weft-Indies  to  be  quite  flopped  at  once,  I 
believe  many  there  would  fiifFer  for  want  of 
bread." 

"  Did  we  on  this  continent,  and  the  in- 
habitants of  the  Weft-Indies,  generally  dwell 
in  pure  rightcoufncfs,  I  believe  a  fmall  trade 
between  us  might  be  right :  that  under  thefe 
considerations,  when  the  thoughts  of  wholly 
declining  the  ufe  of  trading  ve£els,  and  of 
trying  to  hire  a  veflel  to  go  under  ballaft 
have  arofc  in  my  mind,  I  have  believed  that 
the  labours  in  gofpel  love,  yet  beftowed  ia 
the  caufe  of  univerihl  righteoufnefs,  are  not 
arrived  to  that  height." 

"If  the  trade  to  the  Weft-Indies  were  no 
more  than  was  confift-cntj  with  pure  wifilom, 
I  believe  the  padagc-money  would,  for  good 
reafons,  be  higher  than  it  is  now ;  a.nd  here, 
under  deep  exeircife  of  mind,  I  have  believed, 
that  I  ihoulcl  liot  take  the  advantage  of  this 
great  trade,  and  imall  palfage-money  ;  but 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     199 

as  a  teftimony  in  favour,  of  lefs  trading, 
fhoulJ  pay  more  than  is  common  for  others 
to  pay,  if  I  go  at  this  time." 

The  firft-mentioned  owner  having  read 
the  paper,  expreifed  aiwillingncfs  to  go  with 
me  to  the  other  owner  ;  and  we.  going,  the 
faid  other  owner  read  over  the  paper,  and 
we  had  fome  folid  coiiverfation  ;  undei* 
which,  I  felt  my  foul  bowed  in  reverence 
before  the  Moft-High  :  and,  at  length,  one 
of  them  allied  me,  if  I  would  go  and  fee  ths 
veiTel  ?  but  I  had  not  clearneis  in  my  mind 
to  go  ;  but  went  to  my  lodgings,  and  re- 
tired in  private. 

I  was  now  under  great  exercife  of  mind  ; 
and  my  tears  were  poured  oiit  before  the 
Lord,  with  inward  cries,  that  he  would  gra- 
cioufly  help  me  under  thefe  trials. 

In  this  cafe,  I  believe  my  mind  was  re- 
figned,  but  did  not  feel  clearnefs  to  pro- 
ceed ;  and  my  own  weakncfs,  and  the  necef- 
fity  of  divine  inftruction,  was  impreiTed  up- 
on me.  • 

I  was,  for  a  time,  as  one  who  knew  not 
what  to  do,  and  was  toiTed  as  in  a  temped ; 
under  which  affidtion,  the  doctrine  of  Chrift 
"  Take  no  thought  for  the  morrow,"  arofc 
livingiy  before  inc.  I  remembered  it  was 
forne  days  before  they  expected,  the  veiTel  to 
fail,  and  was  favoured  to  get  into  a  good 
degree  of  ftillnefs  ;  and  having  been  near 
two  days  in  town,  I  believe  my  obedience  to 
my  heavenly  Father  confided  in  fctnrning 

home- 


sco     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

homeward  ;  and  then  I  went  over  amongft 
friends  on  the  Jerfey  more,  and  tarried  tilt 
the  morning  on  which  they  had  appointed 
to  fail  :  and  as  I  lay  in  bed  the  latter  part 
of  that  night,  my  mind  was  comforted  ;  and 
1  felt  what  I  efleeineu  a  freih  confirmation, 
that  it  was  the  Lord's  will,  that  I  mould 
pafs  through  fome  further  exercifes  near 
home. 

So  I  .\yent  home,  and  itill  felt  like  a  fo- 
journer  with  my  family  :  and  in  the  frem 
fpring  of  pure  love,  had  fome  labours  in  a 
private  way  amongft  friends,  on  a  fubjj-jt 
relating  to  truth's  teflimony  ;  under  which, 
I  had  frequently  been  exercifed  in  heart  for 
fome  years.  I  remember,  as  I  walked  on  the 
road  under  this  exercife,  that  pafTage  in  Eze- 
kiel  came  freih  before  me:  "  \Vhitherfoever 
"  their  faces  were  turned,  thither  they  went!" 
and  I  was  graciouily  helped  to  difcharge  my 
duty,  in  the  fear  and  dread  of  the  Al- 
mighty. 

After  a  fexv  weeks,  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to 
vifit  me  with  a  plcuriiy  ;  and  after  I  had 
lain  a  few  days,  and  felt  the  diforder  very 
grievous,  I  was  thoughtful  how  it  might 
end. 

I  had  of  late,  through  various  exercifes, 
been  much  weaned  from  the  pleafant  things 
this  life ;  and  I  now  thought,  if  it  was 
the  Lord's  will  to  put  an  end  to  my  labours, 
nud  graciouily  receive  me  into  the  arms  of 
his  mercv,  death  would  be  acceptable  to  me ; 

but 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     201 

but  if  it  was  his  will  to  farther  refine  me 
under  affliction,  and  make  me,  in  any  de- 
gree, ufefal  in  his  church,  I  defired  not  to 
die.     I   may,  with  thankfulnefs,    fay,    that 
in  this  cafe  I  felt  reiignednefs  wrought. in 
me,   and  had  no  inclination  to  fend  for  a 
doctor ;  believing,  if  it  was  the  Lord's  will, 
thro'  outward  means,  to  raife  me  up,   fome 
fympathizing  friends  would  be  fent  to  mini- 
fler  to  me  ;    which  were  accordingly  :    but 
though  I  was  carefully  attended,  yet  the  dif- 
order  was,    at   times,  fo   heavy,  that  I  had 
no  thoughts  of  recovery  :  one  night  in  par- 
ticular, my  bodily  diflrefs  was  great ;  my  feet 
grew  cold,   and  cold  increafed  up  my  legs 
pward  my  body ;  and,  at  that  time,  I  had 
no  inclination  to  afk  my  nurie  to  apply  any- 
thing warm  to  my  feet,  expecting  my  end 
\v as  near :  and  after  I  had  lain  near  ten  hours 
in  this  condition,  I  clpfed  my  eyes,  thinking 
whether  I  might  now  be  delivered  oui:  of  the 
body ;    but   in   thefe    awful  moments,    my 
mind    was    livingly    opened   to    behold   the 
church  ;  and  ftrong  engagements   were  be- 
gotten in  me,  for  the  everlafting  well-being 
of  my  fellow-creatures:    and  I  felt,    in  the 
fpring  of  pure  love,   that  I   might  remain 
fome  time  longer  in  the  body,  in  filling  up, 
according  to  my  meafure,    that  which  re- 
mains of  the  affections  of  Chrift,  and  in  la- 
bouring for  the  good  of  the  church  ;  after 
which,  I  requcfted  my  nurfe  to  apply  warmth 
..-   my   teet;  and  I   revived:    and  the   next 

night 


202     THE  LIFE  AN-D  TRAVELS 

night,  feeling  a  weighty  exercife  of  fpirit, 
and  having  a  folid  friend  fitting  up  with  me, 
I  requeiled  him  to  write  what  I  faid  ;  which 
he  did,  as  follows  : 

"  Fourth  day  of  the  firR  month,  1770, 
about  five  in  the  morning. — I  have  feen  in 
the  Light  of  the  Lord,  that  the  day  is  ap- 
proaching, when  the  man  that  is  the  moft 
wife  in  human  policy,  fliall  be  the  .greatefl 
fool  ;  and  the  arm  that  is  mighty  to  fupport 
injuilicc,  mall  be  broken  to  pieces  :  the  ene^ 
mies  of  righteoufncfs  mall  make  a  terriblfe 
rattle,  and  mall  mightily  torment  one  ano- 
ther ;  for  He  that  is  omnipotent  is  rifing  up 
to  judgment,  and  will  plead  the  caufe  of  the 
opprciicd  ;  and  he  commanded  me  to  open 
the  vificn." 

Near  a  week  after  this,  feeling  my  mind 
livingly  opened,  I  fent  for  a  neighbour, 
who,  at  my  requcft,  wrote  as  follows  : 

"  The  place  of  prayer  is  a  precious  habi- 
tation ;  for  I  now  law  that  the  prayers   of 
the:  faints  was  precious  incenfc:  and  a  trum- 
pet: was  given  me,  that  I 'might  found  forth 
this  language  ;  that  the  children  might  hear 
it,  and  be  invited  together  to  this  precious 
habitation,  where  tLe  prayers  of  the  faints, 
recious   incenfe,    arifeth  up  before  the 
c  of  God  and  the  Lamb  —  I  faw  this 
habitation  to  be  fafe ;  to  be  inwardly  quiet, 
when  there  vrcre  great  flirrings  and  conimo- 
;  in  the  world." 

"  Prayer, 


OF     JOHN     W  O  O  L  M  A  N.    203 

"  Prayer,  at  this  day,  in  pure  resignation, 
is  a  precious  place  :  the  trumpet  is  founded, 
the  call  goes  forth  to  the  church,  that  fhe 
gather  to'  the  place  of  pure  inward  prayer ; 
and  her  habitation  is  fafe." 


CHAP.      XI. 


ffis  preparing  to  vifit  friends  in  England — His 
embarking  at  Chejicr^  in  company  ivith  Sa- 
muel Emlen^  in  aJJjip  bound  to  London — His 
deep  exercifey  in  obferving  the  difficulties  and 
hardships  the  common  Jailors  are  expofed  to — 
Corjiderations  on  the  dangers  to  'which  youth 
are  expofed^  in  being  trained  to  a  Jea-faring 
life ;  and  its  inconjijlency  'with  a  pious  educa- 
tion—  His  thoughts  in  a  jlorm  atfea:  ivith 
many  inflrucli've  contemplations  on  the  voyage 
— And  his  arrival  at  London, 


HAVING  been  fome  time  under  a.  reli- 
gious concern  to  prepare  for  croffing 
the  feas,  in  order  to  viiit  friends  in  the  north- 
ern parts  of  England,  and  more  particularly 
in  Yorkiliire  :  after  weighty  confideration,  I 
thought  it  expedient  to  inform  friends rat  our 

monthly- 


304      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

monthly-meeting  at  Burlington,  of  it ;  who, 
having  unity  with  me  therein,  gave  me  a 
certificate  ;  and  I  afterwards  communicated 
the  fame  to  our  quarterly-meeting,  and  they 
likewise  certified  their  concurrence  therewith. 
Some  time  after  \vhicli,  at  the  general  fpring- 
meeting  of  minifters  and  elders,  I  thought 
it  my  duty  to  acquaint  them  of  the  religious 
exercife  which  attended  my  mind  ;  with 
which,  they  likewife  fignified  their  unity  by 
a  certificate,  dated  the  twenty-fourth  day  of 
the  eighth  month,  1772,  directed  to  friends 
in  Great-Britain. 

In  the  fourth  month  following,  I  thought 
the  time  was  come  for  me  to  make  feme  en<r 
quiry  for  a  f Likable  conveyance ;  being  ap- 
preheiiiive,  that  as  my  concern  was  princi- 
pally toward  the  northern  parts  of  England,* 
it  would  be  moft  proper  to  go  in  a  veflel 
bound  to  Liverpool  or  Whitehaven :  and 
while  I  was  at  Philadelphia,  deliberating  on 
this  occafion,  I  was  informed,  that  my  belov- 
ed friend  Samuel  Einlen,  jun.  intending  to 
go  to  London  ;  and  having  taken  a  paifagc 
for  himlelf  in  the  cabbin  of  the  ihip,  called 
Mary  and  Elizabeth,  of  which  James  Sparks 
was  matter,  and  John  liead,  of  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  one  of  the  owners;  and  I  feel- 
ing a  draft  in  my  mind  toward  the  fleerage 
of  the  fame  mip,  went  firft  and  opened  to 
Samuel  the  feeling  I  had  concerning  it. 

My  beloved  friend  wept  when  I  fpake  to 
liirn,  and  appeared  glad  that  I  ha4  thoughts 

of 


OF     JOHN     W  O  O  L  M  A  N.    20 j 

of  going  in  the  veflel  with  him,  though  my, 
profpecl  was  toward  the  fle^rage  ;  and  i;e 
offering  to  go  with  me,  we  went  on  board, 
fi.rH  into  the  cabbin,  a  commodious  room^ 
and  then  into  the  iteerage  ;  where  we  fat 
down  on  a.  cheft,  the  failors  being  bufy 
about  us  :  then  the  owner  of  the  fhip  came, 
and  fat  down  with  us. 

Here  my  mind  was  turned  toward  Chrift, 
the  heavenly  counfellor  ;  and  I  feeling,  at 
this  time,  my  own  will  fubjecfted,  my  heart 
was  contrite  before  him. 

A  motion  was  made  by  the  owner,  to  go 
and  fet  in  tfce  cabbin,  as  a  place  more  re- 
tired ;  but  I  felt  eafy  to  leave  the  ihip,  and 
made  no  agreement  as  to  a  paffage  in  her ; 
'but  told  the  owner,  if  I  took  a  paiTage  in  the 
{hip,  I  believed  it  would  be  in  the  ileerage ; 
but  did  not  fay  much  as  to  my  exercife  in 
that  cafe. 

After  I  went  to  my  lodgings,  and  the  cafe 
was  a  little  known  in  town,  a  friend  laid  be- 
fore me  the  great  inconvenience  attending  a 
pafTage  in  the  fteerage  ;  which,  for  a  time, 
appeared  very  difcouraging  to  me. 

I  foon  after  went  to  bed,  and  my  mind 
was  under  a  deep  exercife  before  the  Lord ; 
whofe  helping  hand  wras  manifefted  to  ma 
as  I  flept  that  night,  and  his  love  flrengthen- 
ed  my  heart:  and  in  the  morning,  I  went 
with  two  friends  on  board  the  veflel  -again  ; 
and_^after  a  fhort  time  fpent  therein,  I  went 
with  Samuel  Emlen  to  the  houfe  of  the 

owner  j 


so6      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

owner ;  to  whom,  in  the  hearing  of  Samuel 
only,  I  opened  my  exercife,  in  fiibftance  as 
follows,  in  relation  to  a  fcruple  I  felt  with 
regard  to  a  paffage  in  the  cabbin  : 

I  told  the  owner,  that  on  the  outfide  of 
that  part  of  the  {hip  where  the  cabbin  was, 
I  obferved  fundry  forts  of  carved  work  and 
imagery ;  and  that  in  the  eabbin  I  obferved 
fbme  fuperffuity  of  workmanfhip  of  feveral 
forts ;  and  that  according  to  the  ways  of 
men's  reckoning,  the  fum  of  money  to  be 
paid  for  a  paffage  in  that  apartment,  hath 
fome  relation  to  the  expence  in  furniihing  it 
to  pleafe  the  minds  of  inch  who  give  way  to 
a  conformity  to  this  world ;  and  that  in  this 
cafe,  as  in  other  cafes,  the  monies  received 
from  the  paffengers,  are  calculated  to  anfwer 
every  expence  relating  to  their  paffage,  and 
amongft  the  reft  of  thefe  fuperiluities  :  and 
that  in  this  cafe,  I  felt  a  fcruple  with  regard 
to  paying  my  money  to  defray  fuch  ex- 
pences. 

As  my  mind  was  now  opened^  I  told  the 
owner,  that  I  had,  at  feveral  times  in  my 
travels,  feen  great  oppreffions  on  this  conti- 
nent ;  at  which  my  heart  had  been  much 
affected,  and  brought  into  a  feeling  of  the 
flate  of  the  fufferers.  And  having  many 
times  been  engaged,  in  the  fear  and  love  of 
God,  to  labour  with  thofe  under  whom  the 
oppreffed  have  been  borne  down  and  afflict- 
ed ;  I  have  often  perceived,  that  a  view  to 
get  riches,  and  provide  eftates  for  children, 

to 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     207 

to  live  conformable  to  cuftoms,  which  ftarkd 
in  that  fpirit  wherein  men  have  regard  to 
the  honours  of  this  world — that  in  the  pur^ 
fuit  of  theie  things >  I  had  feeii  many  entan- 
gled in  the  fpi-rit  of  oppretTion,  j  and  the  ex- 
qrci/e  of  my  foul  had  been  fitch,.  uHat  I  c 
not-  find  pe-^ce-^  i  a  j&iB&j  g  in  nich. 

1  faw-  wa  ft    that    vdiuom.  w^iL 

pure. 

After  this,  I  agreed  for  a  paffage  in  the 
fteerage  ;  and  hearing  in  town  that  Jofeph 
White  had  a  deiire  to  fee  me,  I  felt  the  re- 
viving of  a  defire  to  fee  him,  and  went  then 
to  his  houfe%  and.  next  day  home;  where  £ 
tarried,  two  nights :  and  then  early  in  the 
morning,  I  parted  with  my  family,  under 
a  fenfe  of  the  humbling  hand  of  God  upon 
me ;  and  going  to  Philadelphia,  had  oppor- 
tunity with  feveraj  of  my  beloved  friends ; 
who  appeared  to  be  concerned  for  me,  an 
account  of  the  unpleafaiit  iituation  of  that 
part  of  the  veflel,  where  I  vras  likely  to 
lodge. 

In  thefe  opportunities,  my  mind,  through 
the  mercies  of  the  Lord,  was  kept  low,  in 
an  inward  waiting  for  his  help  ;  and  friends 
having  expreiTed  their  defire,  that  I  might 
have  a  place  more  convenient  than  the  fleer- 
age,  did  not  urge,  but  appeared  difpofed  to 
leave  me  to  the  Lord. 

Having  flayed  two  nights  in  Philadelphia, 
I  went  the  next  day  to  Derby  monthly-meet- 
ing ;  where,  through  the  flreng'ch  of  divine 

love, 


THE    LIFE    AND  TRAVELS 

love,  my  heart  was  enlarged  toward  the* 
youth  then  prefent  ;  under  which  I  was 
helped  to  labour  in  fome  tendernefs  of  fpi- 
rit.  Then  lodging  at  William  Home's,  I, 
with  one  friend,  went  to  Chefler  ;  where 
meeting  with  Samuel  Emlen,  we  went  on 
board  the  firft  day  of  the  fifth  month,  1772  : 
and  as  I  fat  down  alone,  on  a  feat  on  the 
deck,  I  felt  a  fatisfaclory  evidence,  that  my 
proceedings  were  not  in  my  own  will,  but 
tinder  the  power  of  the  crofs  of  Clirift. 

Seventh  day  of  the  fifth  month :  have  had 
rough  weather,  moftly  fince  I  came  ori 
board  ;  and  the  pafl&igers,  James  Reynolds, 
John  Till -Adams,  Sarah  Logan  and  her 
hired  maid,  and  John  Bifpham,  ail  fea-fick, 
more  or  lefs,  at  times  ;  from  which  ficknefs, 
thro'  the  tender  mercies  of  my  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, I  have  been  preferved :  my  afflictions' 
now  being  of  another  kind; 

There  appeared  an  opennefs  in  the  minds' 
of  the  mailer  of  the  fhip  and  in  the  cabbin 
pafTengers  toward  me  ;  we  were  often  toge- 
ther on  the  deck,  and  fometimes  in  the  cab- 
bin. 

My  mind,  thro'  the  merciful  help  of  the 
Lord,  hath  been  preferved  in  a  good  degree 
watchful,  and  inward ;  and  have,  this  day, 
great  caufe  to  be  thankful,  in  that  I  remain 
to  feel  qtiietnefs  of  mind. 

As  my  lodgings  in  the  fteerage,  now  near 
a  week,  -hath  afforded  me  fundry  opportu- 
nities of  feeing,  hearing,  and  feeling,  with 

'  refpeft 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     209 

fefpect  to  the  life  and  fpirit  of  many  poor 
failors :  an  inward  exercife  of  foul  hath  at- 
tended me,  in  regard  to  placing  out  children 
and  youth  where  they  may  be  likely  to  be 
exampled  and  inftructed  in  the  pure  fear  of 
the  Lord  ;  and  I  being  much  amongft  the 
feamen,  have  from  a  motion  of  love,  fundry 
times  taken  opportunities,  with  one  of  thejii 
at  a  time  alone ;  and  in  a  free  coriverfation, 
laboured  to  turn  their  minds  toward  the  fear 
of  the  Lord :  and  this  day  we  had  a  meet- 
ing in  the  cabbin,  where  my  heart  was  con- 
trite under  a  feeling  of  divine  love. 

Now  concerning  lads  being  trained  up  as 
feamen  :  I  believe  a  communication  from  one 
part  of  the  •  :orld  to  fome  other  parts  of  it,- 
by  fea,  is,  at  times,  confident  with  the  will 
of  our  heavenly  Father ;  and  to  educate  fbnic 
youth  in  the  practice  of  failing,  I  believe 
may  be  right :  but  how  lamentable  is  the 
preient  corruption  of  the  world  !  how  im- 
pure are  the  channels  thro'  which  trade  hath 
a  conveyance !  how  great  is  that  danger,  to 
which  poor  lads  are  now  expofed,  when 
placed  on  fhipboard  to  learn  the  art  of  fail- 
ing? 

Five  lads,  training  up  for  the  feas,  were 
now  on  board  this  (hip  ;  two  of  them  brought 
up  amongft  our  fociety  ;  one  of  which  hath 
a  right  amongft  friends,  by  name  James 
Nailor,  to  whole  father  James  Nailor,  men- 
tioned in  Sewel's  hiftory,  appears  to  have 
been  uncle. 

P  I  often 


210     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

I  often  feel  a  tendernefs  of  heart  toward 
thefe  poor  lads  ;  and,  at  times,  look  at  them 
as  though  they  were  my  children  according 
to  the  flem. 

O  that  all  may  take  heed  and  beware  of 
covetoufnefs  !  O  that  all  may  learn  of  Chrift, 
who  was  meek  and  low  of  heart !  Then  in 
faithfully  following  him,  he  will  teach  us  to 
be  content  with  food  and  raiment,  without  re- 
fpecl:  to  the  cufloms  or  honours  of  this  world. 

Men  thus  redeemed,  will  feel  a  tender  con- 
cern for  their  fellow-creatures,  and  a  defire 
that  thofe  in  the  loweft  flations  may  be  afiift- 
ed  and  encouraged  ;  and  where  owners  of 
fhips  attain  to  the  perfect  law  of  liberty,  ard 
are  doers  of  the  word,  thefe  will  be  bleiFed 
in  their  deeds. 

A  ihip  at  fea  commonly  fails  all  night, 
and  the  teamen  take  their  watches  four  hours 
at  a  time. 

Riiing  to  work  in  the  night,  is  not  com- 
monly pleafan.t  in  any  cafe  ;  but  in  xiark 
rainy  nights  it  is  very  difagreeable,  even 
though  each  man  were  furnilhed  with  all 
conveniences  :  but  if  men  mud  go  out  at 
midnight  to  help  manage  the  ihip  in  the 
rain,  and  having  firiall  room  to  deep  and  lay 
their  garments  in,  are  often  befet  to  furnim 
thernfelves  for  the  watch  ;  their  garments  or 
ion  thing  relating  to  their  bufinefs  being 
vv'ai  iag,  and  not  eauly  found ;  when  from 
rgency  occafioned  by  high  winds,  they 
are  haitened  and  called  up  luddenly :  here  is  a 

tryal 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     211 

tryal  of  patience  on  the  poor  failors,  and  the 
poor  lads  their  companions. 

If  after  they  have  been  on  deck  feveral 
hours  in  the  night,  and  come  down  into  the 
fteerage  foaking  wet,  and  are  fb  clofe  flowed 
that  proper  convenience  for  change  of  gar- 
ment is  not  eafily  come  at,  but  for  want  of 
proper  room  their  wet  garments  thrown  in 
heaps,  and  fome times,  through  much  crowd- 
ing, are  trodden  under  foot,  in  going  to 
their  lodgings  and  getting  out  of  them,  and 
great  difficulties,  at  times,  each  one  to-  find 
his  own :  here  are  tryals  on  the  poor  failors. 

Now  as  I  have  been  with  them  in  my 
lodge,  my  heart  hath  often  yearned  for 
them ;  and  tender  defires  been  raifed  in  me, 
that  all  owners  and  mafters  of  veffels  may 
dwell  in  the  love  of  God,  and  therein  a6l 
uprightly ;  and  by  feeking  lefs  for  gain,  and 
looking  carefully  to  their  ways,  may  earn- 
eflly  labour  to  remove  all  caufe  of  provoca- 
tion from  the  poor  feamen,  either  to  fret  or 
ufe  excefs  of  flrong  drink  ;  for,  indeed,  the 
poor  creatures,  at  times,  in  the  wet  and 
cold,  feem  to  apply  to  flrong  drink  to  fup- 
ply  the  want  of  other  convenience. 

Great  reformation  in  the  world  is  want- 
ing, and  the  iieceflity  of  it,  amongfl  thefe 
who  do  bufmefs  on  great  waters,  hath,  at 
this  time,  been  abundantly  opened  before 
me. 

The  eighth  clay  of  the  fifth  month. — This 

morning  the  clouds  gathered,  the  wind  blew 

P  2  flrong; 


±12      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

flrong  from  fouth-eaflward,  and  before  noon 
increafed  to  that  degree  that  failing  appeared 
dangerous  :  the  feameii  then  bound  up  ibme 
of  their  fails,  and  took  down  fame  ;  and  the 
ftorm  iiicreafing,  they  put  the  dead  lights, 
fo  called,  into  the  cabbin-windows,  and 
lighted  a  lamp ,  as  at  night. 

The  wind  now  blew  vehemently,  and  the 
fea  wrought  to  that  degree,  that  an  awful  fe- 
rioumefs  prevailed  in  the  cabbin,  in  which 
I  fpenrt,  I  believe,  about  feventeen  hours  ; 
for  I  believed  the  poor  wet  toiling  feamen, 
had  need  of  all  the  room  in  the  crowded 
fteerage,  and  the  cabbin  pafJengers  had  given 
me  frequent  invitations. 

They  ceafed  now  from  failing  ;  and  put 
the  veflei  in  the  poflure,  called  lying-to. 

My  mind  in  this  temped,  thro'  the  gra- 
cious afliflance  of  the  Lord,  was  preferved 
in  a  good  degree  of  refignation ;  and  I  felt, 
at  times,  a  few  words  in  his  love  to  my 
fhip-mates,  in  regard  to  the  all-fufficiency 
of  Him  who  formed  the  great  deep,  and 
whofe  care  is  fo  extenfive,  that  a  fbarrow 
falls  not  without  his  notice  :  and  thus  in  a 
tender  frame  of  mind,  fpake  to  them  of  the 
necedity  of  our  yielding,  in  true  obedience, 
to  the  inflructions  of  our  heavenly  Father, 
who  fometimes,  through  adverfities,  intend- 
eth  our  refinement. 

About  eleven  at  night,  I  went  out  on  the 
deck,  when  the  fea  wrought  exceedingly,  and 
the  high  foaming  waves,  ail  round  about, 

had 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.      213 

had  in  fome  fort  the  appearance  of  fire ;  but 
did  not  give  much,  if  any,  light. 

The  faiior,  then  at  the  helm,  faid,  lie 
lately  faw  a  corpofant  at  the  head  of  the 
mall. 

About  this  time  I  obferved  the  mafler  of 
the  fhip  ordered  the  carpenter  to  keep  on  the 
deck  ;  and  tho'  he  faid  little,  I  apprehended 
"his  care  was,  that  the  carpenter  with  his  axe 
might  be  in  readinefs,  in  cafe  of  any  extre- 
mity. 

Soon  after  this,  the  vehemency  of  the 
wind  abated  ;  and  before  morning,  they 
again  put  the  {hip  under  fail. 

The  tenth  day  of  the  month,  and  firft 
of  the  week,  it  being  fine  weather,  we  had. 
a  meeting  in  the  cabbin,  at  which  mofc  of 
the  feamen  were  prefent ;  this  meeting  to  me 
was  a  ftrengthening  time. 

The  thirteenth  day  of  the  month.  As  I 
continue  to  lodge  in  the  fteerage,  I  feel  an 
opermefs  this  morning,  to  cxpreis  fomerhmg 
further  of  the  fiate  of  my  mind,  in  refpect  to 
poor  lads  bound  apprentice  to  learn  the  art:  of 
failing.  As  I  believe  failing  is  of  fome  ufo  in 
the  world,  a  labour  of  foul  attends  me,  thr.t 
the  pure  counfel  of  truth  mr.y  be  humbly 
waited  for  in  this  cafe,  by  ail  concerned  in 
the  bufinefs  of  the  feas. 

A  pious  father,  whofe  mind  is  cxercifed 
for  the  everlafting  welfare  of  his  child,  may 
not,  with  a  peaceable  mind,  place  him  on: 
to  an  employment  among!!  a  people,  whofe 

:  i 


214     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

common  courfe  of  life  is  manifeflly  corrupt 
and  prophane  ;  fo  great  is  the  prefent  defect 
ampngft  fea-faring  men,  in  regard  to  piety 
and  virtue  :  and  through  an  abundant  traf- 
fick,  and  many  mips  of  war,  fo  many  peo- 
ple are  employed  on  the  fea,  that  this  fiibjecT: 
of  placing  lads  to  the  employment  appears 
very  \veighty. 

Prophane  examples  are  very  corrupting, 
and  very  forcible.  >  And  as  my  mind,  day 
after  day,  and  night  after  night,  hath  been 
aftecled  with  a  fympathizing  tendernefs  to- 
ward poor  children,  put  to  the  employment 
of  iailors,  I  have  fometimes  had  weighty 
coriverlaticn  with  the  failors  in  the  fteerage, 
who  were  moilly  refpeclful  to  me,  and  more 
and  more  io  the  longer  I  w?s  with  them: 
they  mortly  appeared  to  take  kindly  what  I 
faid  to  them ;  but  their  minds  have  appeared 
to  be  fo  deeply  imprefTed  with  that  almoft 
univerfal  depravity  amongfl  iailors,  that  the 
poor  creatures  in  their  anfwers  to  me  on 
this  fubject,  have  revived  in"  my  remem- 
brance, that  of  the  degenerate  Jews  a  little 
before  the  captivity,  as  repeated  by  Jeremiah 
the  prophet,  "  There  is  no  hope." 

Now  under  this  exercife,  a  fenfe  of  the 
delire  of  outward  gain  prevailing  amongft 
us,  hath  felt  grievous ;  and  a  ftrong  call  to 
the  pro  felled  followers  of  Chrift,  hath  been 
raifed  in  me  ;  that  all  may  take  heed,  left, 
through  loving  this  prefent  world,  they  be 
found  in  a  continued  neglect  of  duty,  with 

refpect 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      215 

refpecfl  to   a  faithful  labour  for  a  reforma- 
tion.  - 

Silence,  as  to  every  motion  proceeding 
from  the  love  of  money,  and  an.  humble 
waiting  upon  God,  to  know  his  will  con- 
cerning us,  hath  now  appeared  neceffary  : 
he  alone  is  able  to  ftrengthen.  us  to  dig  deep, 
to  remove  all  which  lies  between  us  and  the 
fafe  foundation,  and  fo  direct  us  in  our  out- 
ward employments,  that  pure  univerfal  love 
may  ihine  forth  in  our  proceedings. 

Defires  ariling  from  the  fpirit  of  truth,  are 
pure  defires  ;  and  when  a  mind,  divinely 
opened  toward  a  young  generation,  is  made 
fenfible  of  corrupting  examples,  powerfully 
working',  and  extenftvely  fpreading  amoiigil 
them,  how  moving  is  the  profpecl ! 

,  A  great  trade  to  the  coaft  of  Africa  for 
ilaves  ;  of  which.  I  now  heard  frequent  con- 
veriation  among  the  fkilors  ! 

•A  great  trade  in  that  which  is  raifed  and 
prepared  thro'  grievous  oppreffion  !  • 

A  great  trade  in  fuperliuity  of  workman- 
fhip,  formed  to  pleafe  the  pride  and  vanity 
of  people's  minds  ! 

Great  and  cx'jcnfive  is  that  depravity, 
which  .prevails  amongft  the  poor  failors  ! 

When  I  remember  that  faying  of  the  Moll 
High,  through  his  prophet,  "  This  people 
"  have  I  formed  for  myielf ;  they  mall  fiiew 
"  forth  my  praife  :"  and  think  of  placing 
children  amongft  them,  to  learn  the  practice 
of  failing,  the  confiflency  of  it  with  a  pious 

educa- 


ai6     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS   j 

education,  feems  to  me  like  that  mentione4 
by  the  prophet,  "  There  is  no  anfwer  from 
"  God." 

In  a  world  of  dangers  and  difficulties,  like 
a.  defolate  thorny  wiidemefs,  how  precious ! 
how  comfortable  !  how  fafe !  are  the  lead-: 
ings  of  Chrift,  .the  good  fhepher-d  ;  who 
iaid,  "  I  know  my  iheep  j  and  am  known  of 
mine." 

The  fixteenth  day  of  the  month.  Wind 
for  feveral  clays  pail  often  high,  what  the 
failors  call  fquaily,  rough  fca  and  frequent 
rains.  This  latt  night  a  very  trying  night: 
to  the  poor  feamen ;  the  water,  chief  part  of 
the  night,  running  over  the  main  deck,  and 
fometimes  breaking  waves  came  on  the  quar- 
ter deck.  The  latter  part  of  the  night,  as  I 
lay  in  bed,  my  mind  was  humbled  under 
the  power  of  divine  love  ;  and  reiignednefs 
to  the  great  Creator  of  the  earth  and  the 
feas,  renewedly  wrought  in  me,  whole  fa- 
therly care  over  his  children  felt  precious  to 
my  foul  :  and  defires  were  now  renewed  in 
me,  to  embrace  every  opportunity  of  being 
inwardly  acquainted  with  the  hardships  and 
difficulties  of  my  fellow-creatures,  and  to 
labour  in  his  love  for  the  fpreading  of  pure 
univerfal  righteoufneis  on  the  earth.  The 
opportunities  being  frequent  of  hearing  con- 
verfation  amongft  the  failors,  in  reipecl  to 
the  voyages  to  Africa,  and  the  manner  of 
bringing  the  deeply  opprcillxl  1-aves  into  our. 
;fiands.  The  thoughts  of  their  condition, 
frequently  in  chains  and  fetters  on  board  the 

veflels. 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     217 

veffels,  with  hearts  loaded  with  grief,  under 
the  appreheniions  of  miferable  fiavery  ;  my 
mind  was  frequently  opened  to  meditate  on 
thefe  things. 

On  the  leventeenth  day  of  the  month,  and 
firfl  of  the  week,  \ve  had  a  meeting  in  the 
cabbin  ;  to  which  the  feameii  generally  came. 
My  fpirit  was  contrite  before  the  Lord ; 
whole  love,  at  this  time,  affected  my  heart. 

This  afternoon  I  felt  a  tender  fympathy  of 
foul,  with  my  poor  wife  and  family  left  be- 
hind ;  in  which  ftate,  my  heart  was  en- 
larged in  defires,  that  they  may  walk  in  that 
humble  obedience  wherein  the  everfafling 
Father  may  be  their  guide  and  fupport,  thro' 
all  the  difficulties  in  this  world  ;  and  a  fenfe 
of  that  gracious  ailiflance,  thro'  which  my 
mind  hath  been  ftrengthened  to  take  up  the 
crofs  and  leave  them,  to  travel  in  the  love 
of  truth,  hath  begotten  thaiikfulncfs  in  my 
heart  to  our  great  Helper. 

On  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  the  month, 
and  firfl  of  the  week,  a  clear  pleafant  morn-, 
ing  :  and  as  I  fat  on  deck,  I  felt  a  reviving 
in  my  nature ;  which,  through  much  rainy 
weather,  and  high  winds,  being  fliut  up  in 
a  clofe  unhealthy  air,  was  weakened. 

Several  nights  of  late  I  felt  breathing  dif- 
ficult ;  that  a  little  after  the  riling  of  the 
fecond  watch  (which  is  about  midnight)  I 
got  up,  and  flood,  I  believe,  near  an  hour, 
with  my  face  near  the  hatchway,  to  get  the 
frcjii  air  at  the  final!  vacancy  under  the 

hatch 


2i8     THE   LIFE    AND   TRAVELS 

hatch  door ;  which  is  commonly  {hut  down, 
partly  to  keep  out  rain,  and  ibmetimes  to 
keep  the  breaking  waves  from  darning  into 
the  fleerage. 

I  may,  with  thankfulnefs  to  the  Father 
of  mercies,  acknowledge,  that  in  my  pre- 
fent  weak  ftate,  my  mind  hath  been  fupport- 
ed  to  bear  the  affliction  with  patience  ;  and 
have  looked  at  the  prefent  difpenfation  as  a 
kindnefs  from  the  great  Father  of  mankind,", 
who,  in  this  my  floating  pilgrimage,  is  in 
fome  degree  bringing  me  to  feel  that,  which 
many  thoufands  of  my  fello\v-creatures  of- 
•  in  a  greater  degree. 

My  appetite  failing,  the  tryal  hath  been 
the  heavier  ;  and  I  have  fek  'tender  breath- 
!u  my  foul  after  God,  the  fountain  of 
comfort,  wliolc  inward  help  hath  fupplied, 
at  times,  the  want  of  outward  convenience  : 
and  ftrong  defires  have  attended  me,  that  his 
family,  who  are  acquainted  with  the  mov- 
ings  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  may  be  fo  redeemed 
from  the  love  of  money,  and  from  that  fpi- 
rit  in  which  men  feek  honour  one  of  ano- 
ther ;  that  ill  all  bunnefs,  by  fea  or  land, 
we  may  constantly  keep  in  view  the  coming 
of  his  kingdom  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven ; 
and  by  faithfully  following  this  fare  guide, 
fhew  forth  examples,  tending  to  lead  out  of 
that  under  which  the  creation  groans  ! 

This  day  we  had  a  meeting  in  the  cabbirf ; 
in  which  I  was  favoured  in  fome  degree  to 
experience  the  fulfillipg  of  that  faying  of 

the 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN.     219 

the  prophet,  "  The  Lord  hath  beeri  a  flrength 
"  to  the  poor,  a  ftrength  to  the  needy  in 
"  their  diflrefs  ;"  for  which,  my  heart  is 
bowed  in  thankfulnefs  before  him. 

The  twenty-eighth  day  of  the  month : 
wet  weather  of  late,  final!  winds  inclining 
to  calms  ;  our  feainen  have  call  a  lead,  I  fup- 
pofe  about  one  hundred  fathom,  but  find  no 
bottom  :  foggy  weather  this  morning. 
-. "  Through  the  kindneis  of  the  great  Pre- 
ferver  of  men,  my  mind  remains  quiet ;  and 
•a  degree  of  exercife,  from  day  to  day,  at- 
tends me,  that  the  pure  peaceable  govern- 
ment of  Chrift  may  fpread  and  prevail  a- 
mongft  mankind. 

The  leading  on  of  a  young  generation,  in 
that  pure  way,  in  which  the  wifdom  of  this 
world  hath  no  place :  where  parents  and  tu- 
tors, humbly  waiting  for  the  heavenly  Coun- 
fellor,  may  example  them  in  the  truth,  as  it 
is  in  Jefus.  This,  for  feveral  days,  hath 
been  the  exercife  of  my  mind ;  O  how  fafe, 
how  quiet  is  that  ftate,  where  the  foul  ftands 
in  pure  obedience  to  the  voice  of  Chrift,  and 
a  watchful  care  is  maintained,  not  to  follow 
the  voice  of  the  flranger  ! 

Here  Chrift  is  felt  to  be  our  fhephercl  ;  and 
under  his  leading,  people  are  brought  to  a 
{lability  :  and  where  he  doth  not  lead  for- 
ward, we  are  bound  in  the  bonds  of  pure 
love,  to  fland  ftill  and  wait  upon  him.  Jii 
the  love  of  money,  and  in  the  wifdom  of 
this  world,  bufinefs  is  propofed,  then  the 

urgency 


-20    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

urgency  of  affairs  puih  forward  ;  nor  can  the 
mind,  in  this  flate,  difcern  the  good  and  per- 
fect will  of  God  concerning  us. 

The  love  of  God  is  manifested,  in  graci- 
oufiy  calling  us  to  come  out  of  that  which 
ftands  in  confufion  ;  but  if  we  bow  not  in 
the  us  me  of  Jeflis  ;  if  we  give  not  up  ihofe 
profpects  of  gain,  which,  in  the  wifdom  of 
this  world,  are  open  before  us,  but  fay  in 
our  hearts,  I  mull  needs  go  on  ;  and  in  go- 
ing on,  I  hope  to  keep  as  near  to  the  purity 
of  truth,  as  the  bunnefs  before  in .  will  ad- 
mit of :  here  the  mind  remains  entangled, 
and  the  fhiaing  of  the  light  of  life  into  the 
foul  is  obilmdted. 

This  query  opens  in  my  mind  in  the  love 
of  Chrift.  Where  iliail  a  pious  father  place 
hi?  fon  apprentice,  to  be  inftructed  in  the 
practice  of  c roiling  the  feas  ;  and  have  faith 
to  believe,  that  Chrift,  our  holy  Shepherd, 
leads  him  to  place  his  foil  there  ? 

Surely  the  Lord  calls  to  mourning  and 
deep  IrumiRation,  that  in  his  fear  we  may 
be  mftrr.cloct,  and  led  fafely  on  through  the 
great  d: tiki; ides  and  perplexities  in  this  pre- 
fent  age. 

In  an  entire  fubjection  of  our  wills,  the 
Lord  gracicirily  opens  a  way  for  his  people, 
where  ai:  are  bounded  by  his 

ivifdom  ^  and  here  we  experience  the  fub- 
es  the  prophet  figured  out 
in  the  water  of  reparation,  as  a  purification 
from  fin. 

Efau 


OF    JOHN    WOOLMAN. 

Efau  is  mentioned  as  a  child  red  all  over, 
like  a  hairy  garment  :  in  Efau  is  reprefented 
the  natural  will  of  man.  la  preparing  ths 
water  of  reparation,  a  red  heifer  without 
b-lernifh,  on  which  there  had  been  no  yoke, 
was  to  be  ilain,  and  her  blood  fprinkled  by 
the  prieit  feven  times  toward  the  tabernacle 
of  the  congregation  :  then  her  'ikiny  he? 
ffcili,  and  all  pertaining  to  her,  was  to  b« 
burnt  without  the  car  •  .of  her  aihes 
the  water  was  prepared.  Thus  the  cracify- 
ing  the  old  man,  or  natural  will,  is  repre- 
fented;  and  hence  comes  a  feparation.  from 
that  carnal  mind,  which  is  death. 

"  Pie  who  touclieth  the  ckad  body  of  a 
"  man,  and  purifieth  not  him.felf  with  the 
"  water  of  feparation,  he  deiileth  the  tabcr- 
"  nacle  of  the  Lord ;  he  is  unclean."  Numb>. 
xix.  13. 

If  any,  through  the  love  of  gain,  go  forth 
into  bufinefs,  wherein  they  dwell  as  a- 
mongil  the  tombs,  and  touch  the  bodies  of 
thofe  who  are  dead :  if  thefe,  through  the 
infinite  love  of  God,  feel  the  power  of  the 
crofs  of  Chrifl  to  crucify  them  to  the  world, 
and  therein  learn  humbly  to  follow  the  di- 
vine leader  : — here  is  the  judgment  of  this 
world — here  the  prince  of  this  world  is  carl 
out. 

The  water  of  feparation  is  felt ;  and  tho' 
we  have  been  amongft  the  {lain,  and  thro' 
the  defire  of  gain  have  touched  the  dead  bo- 
dy of  a  man ;  yet,  in  the  purifying  love  of 

Chrifl, 


222      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

Chrifl,  we  are  warned  in  the  water  of  fepa- 
ration,   are  brought  off  from  that  bulinefs, 
from  that  gain,   and  from   that  fellowfhip, 
which  was  not' agreeable  to  his  holy  will: 
and  I  have  felt  a  renewed  confirmation  in 
the  time  of  this  voyage,  that  the  Lord,  in 
his  iniiiiite  love,  is  calling  to  his  vinteJ 
dren,  fo  to  give  up  all  outward  p 
and  means  of  getting  treafures,  tna 
ly  Spirit  may  have  free  courfe  in  ivolr  i. 
and  direct  them  in  all  their  proceedings. 

To  feel  the  fub  fiance  pointed  at  in  this-, 
figure,  man  mufl  know  death,  as  to  his  own 
will. 

"  No  man  can  fee  God,  and  live :"  This 
was  fpoken  by  the  Almighty  to  Mofes  the- 
prophet  ;  and  opened  by  our  bleffed  Re-1 
deemer. 

As  death  comes  on  our  own  wills,  and  a 
new  life  is  formed  in  us,  the  heart  is  purified, 
and  prepared  to  underftand  clearly.  "  BlefT- 
'  ed  are  the  pure  in  heart,  for  they  fhall 
"  fee  God."  In  purity  of  heart,  the  mind  is 
divinely  opened  to  behold  the  nature  of  uni- 
verfal  righteoufnefs,  or  the  rightcoufnefs  of 
the  kingdom  of  God.  "  No  man  hath  feen 
"  the  Father,  lave  he  that  is  of  God  ;  he 
"  hath  feen  the  Father." 

The  natural  mind  is  active  about  the 
things  of  this  life ;  and  in  this  natural  acti- 
vity, bufmefs  is  propofed,  and  a  will  in  us 
to  go  forward  in  it.  And  as  long  as  this  na- 
tural will  remains  unfubjected,  ib  long  there 

remains 


oi     JOHN    WOOL  MAN.      223 

remains  an  obflruction  againft  the  clearnefs 
of  divine  light  operating  in  us  ;  but  when 
v/e  love  God  with  all  our  heart,  and  with 
all  our  ftrength,  then,  in  this  lo^e,  we  love 
our  neighbours  as  ourfelves  ;  and  a  tender- 
nefs  of  heart  is  felt  toward  all  people  for 
whom  Chriit  died,  even  fiich  who  as  tp  out- 
ward circumflances  may  be  to  us  as  the  Jews 
were  to  the  Samaritans.  V/ho  is  my  neigh- 
bour ?  See  this  queflion  anfwered  by  our  Sa- 
viour, Luke  x.  30. 

In  this  love  we  can  fay,  that  Jefus  is  the 
Lord ;  and  the  reformation  in  our  fouls,  ma- 
nifefted  in  a  full  reformation  of  our  lives, 
wherein  all  things  are  new,  and  all  things 
are  of  God;  2  Cor.  v.  18.  in  this  the  deiire 
of  gain  is  fubjected. 

When  employment  is  honeilly  followed  in 
the  light  of  truth ;  and  people  become  dili- 
gent in  bufinefs,  "  fervent  in  fpirit ;  ferving 
"  the  Lord:"  Rom.  xii.  n.  r  ere  the  name 
is  opened  :  "  This  is  the  name  by  which  he 
"  fliall  be  called,  THE  LORD  OUR 
"  RIGHTEOUSNESS."  Jere.  xxiii.  6. 
Oh,  how  precious  is  this  name  !  It  is  like 
ointment  poured  out.  TLe  chaiie  virgins  are 
in  love  with  the  Redeemer ;  and  fcr  the  pro- 
moting his  peaceable  kingdom  in  the  world, 
are  content  to  endure  hardnefs  like  good  fol- 
diers  ;  and  are  fo  feparated  in  fpirit,  from 
the  defire  of  riches,  that  in  their  ernploy- 
meritSj  they  become  exteniively  careful  to  give 
none  offence,  neither  to  Jews  nor  heathen, 
nor  the  church  of  Chrift.  On 


224     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

On  the  thirty-fir  ft  day  of  the  month,  and 
firft  of  the  week,  we  had  a  meeting  in  the 
cabbin,  with  near  all  the  fhip's  company ; 
the  whole  being  near  thirty.  In  this  meet- 
ing the  Lord,  in  mercy,  favoured  us  with' 
the  extendings  of  his  love. 

The  fecond  day  of  the  fixth  month.  Laft 
evening  the  fearnen  found  bottom  at  about 
feventy  fadiom. 

This  morning  fair  wind,  and  plcafant : 
and  as  I  fat  on  deck,  my  heart  was  over- 
come with  the  love  of  Chrift,  and  melted  in- 
to contrition  before  him  :  and  in  this  ftate,-  . 
the  profpect  of  that  work,  to  which  I  havj 
felt  my  mind  drawn  when  in  my  native 
land,  being  in  fome  degree  opened  before 
me,  I  felt  like  a  little  child  ;  and  my  cries 
xvere  put  up  to  my  heavenly  Father  for  pre- 
fervation,  that  in  a  humble  dependance  on 
him,  my  foul  may  be  (Irengthened  in  his 
love,  and  kept  inwardly  waiting  for  his 
counfel. 

This  afternoon  we  faw  that  part  of  Eng- 
land called  the  Lizard. 

Some  dunghill  fowls  yet  remained  of  thofe 
the  paflengers  took  for  their  fea-ftore:  I  be- 
lieve about  fourteen  pcriilied  in  the  ftorms 
at  fea,  by  the  waves  breaking  over  the  quar- 
ter-deck ;  and  a  considerable  number  with 
fick-nefs,  at  different  times. —  I  obferved  the 
cocks  crew  coming  down  the  Delaware,  and 
while  we  were  near  the  land  ;  but  after- 
Ward,  I  think  I  did  not  hear  one  of  them 

crow 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     225 

crow  till  we  came  near  the  land  in  England^ 
when  they  again  crowed  a  few  times. 

In  obferving  their  dull  appearance  at  fea, 
and  the  pining  ficknefs  of  fome  of  them,  I 
often  remembered  the  fountain  of  goodnefs, 
who  gave  being  to  all  creatures,  and  whofe 
love  extends  to  that  of  caring  for  the-  fpar- 
rows  ;  and  believe,  where  the  love  of  God  is 
verily  perfected,  and  "the  true  fpirit  of  go- 
vernment watchfully  attended  to,  a  tender- 
nefs  toward  all  creatures  made  fubjecl:  to  us 
will  be  experienced ;  and  a  care  felt  in  us,  that 
we  do  not  lefTen  that  fweetnefs  of  life,  in 
the  animal  creation,  which  the  great  Creator 
intends  for  them  under  our  government. 

The  fourth  day  of  tLe  month.  Wet  wea- 
ther, high  winds,  and  fo  dark  that  we  could 
fee  but  a  little  way.  I  perceived  our  feamen 
were  appreheniive  of  danger  of  miffing  the 
Channel ;  which,  I  underflood,  was  narrow. 
In  a  while,  it  grew  lighter;  and  they  faw  the 
land,  and  they  knew  where  we  were.  Thus 
the  Father  of  mercies  was  pleafed  to  try  us 
with  the  fight  of  dangers  ;  and  then  graci- 
oufly,  from  time  to  time,  deliver  from  them  : 
thus  fparing  our  lives,  that  in  humility  and 
reverence,  we  may  walk  before  him,  and 
put  our  truft  in  him. 

About  noon  a  pilot  came  off  from  Dover  ; 
where  my  beloved  friend  Samuel  Emlen  went 
on  more,  and  thence  to  London,  about  feven- 
ty-two  miles  by  land  ;  but  I  felt  eafy  in 
flaying  in  the  (hip. 

The 


226       THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

The  feventh  day  of  the  month,  and  fir  ft 
of  the  week.  Clear  morning,  lay  at  anchor 
for  the  tide,  and  had  a  parting  meeting  with 
the  mip's  company;  in  which,  my  heart  was 
enlarged  in  a  fervent  concern  for  them,  that 
they  may  come  to  experience  falvation  thro' 
Chrift.  —  Had  a  head  wind  up  the  Tha-nes  ; 
lay  fbmetimes  at  anchor  ;  faw  many  ihips 
pafftng,  and  fbme  at  anchor  near  ;  and  had 
large  opportunity  of  feeling  the  fpirit  in 
which  the  poor  bewildered  failors  too  gene- 
rally live.  —  That  lamentable  degeneracy, 
which  ib  much  prevails  on  the  people  em- 
ployed on  the  feas,  fo  affected  my  heart,  thi.t 
I  may  not  eafiiy  convey  the  feeling  I  have 
had  to  another. 

The  r,  relent  fcate  of  the  fea-faring  life  in 
general,  appears  fo  oppofite  to  that  of  a  pi- 
ous education  ;  fo  full  of  corruption,  and 
extreme  alienation  from  God  ;  fo  full  of  ex- 
amples, the  moil  dangerous  to  young  peo- 
ple, that  in  looking  toward  a  young  genera- 
tion, I  feel  a  care  for  them,  that  they  may 
have  an  education  different  from  the  prcfcnt 
education  of  lads  at  iea  :  and  that  all  of  us, 
who  are  acquainted  with  the  pure  gofpel  fpi- 
rit, may  lay  this  cafe  to  heart,  may  reirnn- 
ber  the  lamentable  corruptions  which  at- 
tends the  conveyance  of  merchandize  acrofs 
the  feas,  and  ib  abide  in  the  love  of  Chrift, 
that  being  delivered  from  the  love  of  mo- 
ney, from  the  entangling  expences  of  a  cu- 
rious, delicate  luxurious  life,  we  may  learn 
eo.it  :n  tin::  :it  with  a  little  ;  and  picinn  e 

the 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  M  A  N.     -227 

the  iea-faring  life  no  further,  than  that  fpi- 
rit,  'which  leads  into  all  truth,  attends  us  in 


onr  proceedings. 


CHAP.      XII. 


His  attending  the  yearly-meeting  in  London  ; 
and  after  it,  proceeding  towards  Yorkfuire^ 
viftting  fe^  t-ral  quarterly  and  other  meetings 
in  the  comities  of  Hertford,  Warwick,  Ox- 
ford, Nottingham,  York,  and  Weft  more  I  and  ; 
and  thence  again  into  York/Jjire,  and  to  .the 
city  of  Tork  •  'with  Joins  inftructi've  thoughts 
a:id  obj'er-i'ations,  and  letters  on  divers  fub- 
jecis  —  His  hearing  of  the  deceafe  of  Wil- 
liam Hunt ;  and  fume  account  of  him  — t&t 
f> chiefs  at  York  ;  and  end  of  his  pilgrimage 
there. 

IN  the  eighth  day  of  the  fixth  month, 
1772,  we  landed  at  London  ;  and  I 
went  ftraightway  to  the  yearly-meeting  of 
miniflers  and  elders,  which  had  been  ga- 
thered (I  fuppofe)  about  half  an  hour. 

In  this   meeting,  my  mind  was   humbly 

contrice  :  in  the  afternoon,    the  meeting  of 

z  bufmefs 


2?.8    THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

buiinefs  opened  ;  which,  by  adjournments , 
held  near  a  week.  —  In  thele  meetings,  I  of- 
ten felt  a  living  concern  for  the  eftablilhment 
of  friends  in  the  pure  life  of  truth  :  and 
my  heart  was  enlarged  in  the  meeting  of  mi- 
nifters,  meeting  of  buiinefs,  and  in  feveral 
meetings  of  publick  worfhip ;  and  I  felt  my 
mind  united  in  true  love,  to  the  faithful  la- 
bourers now  gathered  at  this  yearly-meet- 
ing. 

On  the  fifteenth  day  of  the  month,  I  left 
London,  and  went  to  a  quarterly-meeting 
at  Hertford. 

The  firil  day  of  the  feventh  month.  I 
have  been  at  quarterly-meetings  at  Sherring- 
ton,  Northampton,  Banbury  and  Shipton  ; 
and  had  fundry  meetings  between  :  my  mind 
hath  been  bowed  under  a  fenfe  of  divine 
goodnefs  manifefted  amongft  us  ;  my  heart 
hath  been  often  enlarged  in  true  love,  both 
amongft  miiiifters  and  elders,  and  in  publick 
meetings;  that  through  the  Lord's  good- 
nefs, I  believe  it  hath  been  a  freili  viiitation. 
to  many,  in  particular  to  the  youth. 

The  feventeenth  day  of  the  month.  Was 
this  day  at  Birmingham :  have  been  at  meet- 
ings at  Coventry,  Warwick,  in  Oxfordlhire, 
and  fundry  other  places  ;  have  felt  the  hum- 
bling hand  of  the  Lord  upon  me  ;  and  thro' 
his  tender  mercies  find  peace  in  the  labours 
I  have  gone  through. 

The  tweiity-fixth  day  of  the  month.  I 
have  continued  travelling  northward,  vifit- 

ing 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     229 

ing  meetings  :  was  this  day  at  Nottingham ; 
which,  in  the  forenoon  efpecially,  was,  thro* 
divine  love,  a  heart-tendering  feaibn  :  next 
day  had  a  meeting  in  a  friend's  houfe  with 
friends  children  and  fome  friends  ;  this, 
thro*  the  ftrengthening  arm  of  the  Lord, 
was  a  time  to  be  thankfully  remembered. 

The  fecoiid  day  of  the  eighth  month,  and 
firft  of  the  week,  was  this  day  at  Sheffield, 
a  large  inland  town  :  have  been  at  fundry 
meetings  lafl  week  ;  and  feel  inward  thank- 
fulnefs  for  that  divine  fupport,  which  hath 
been  gracioufly  extended  to  me. 

The  ninth  day  of  the  month,  and  firfl  of 
the  week,  was  at  Ruih  worth  :  have  lately 
panned  through  fome  painful  labour ;  but 
have  been  comforted,  under  a  fenfe  of  that 
divine  vifitation,  which  I  feel  extended  to- 
ward many  young  people. 

The  fixteenth  day  of  the  month,  and  firft 
of  the  week,  was  at  Settle :  it  hath  .of  late 
been  a  time  of  inward  poverty  ;  under  which, 
my  mind  hath  been  preferved  in  a  watchful 
tender  flate,  feeling  for  the  mind  of  the  ho- 
ly Leader,  and  find  peace  in  the  labours  I 
have  palFed  through. 

On  enquiry,  in  many  places,  I  find  tLe 
price  of  rye  about  five  (hillings,  wheat  about 
eight  ihillings,  per  builiel  ;  oatmeal  twelve 
millings  for  an  hundred  and  twenty  pounds ; 
mutton  from  three-pence  to  five-pence  per 
pound  ;  bacon,  from  feven-pence  to  nine- 
pence  j  cheefe,  from  four-pence  to  fix-pence ; 

butter% 


-o     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

butter,  frcm  eight-pence  to  ten-pence ;  houfe- 
rent,  for  a  poor  man,  from  twenty-five  {hil- 
lings to  iorirv  ihikings  per  year,   to  be  paid 
vrecklv ;  wood,  for  fire,  very  fcarce  and  dear  ; 
coal,  in  fome  places,  two  {hillings  and  iix- 
pence  per  hundred  weight  j- but  near  the 
not  a  quarter  fo  much.    O,  may  the  we 
confider  the  poor ! 

The  wages  of  labouring  men  in  feveral 
counties  toward  London,  is  ten-pence  pt-r 
day  in  common  bufinefs,  the  employer  finds 
fmall-beer,  and  the  iaboarer  finds  his  own 
food  ;  but  in  bar  veil  ciiivl  hay  time,  v. 
is  abov.i:  'ing:  per  day,  and  the  la- 

bourer hath  all  his  diet.  In  fome  parts  of 
the  north  of  England,  poor  labouring  men 
have  their  food  where  they  work  ;  and  ap- 
pear, in  common,  to  do  rather  better  than 
nearer  London  :  induftrious  women,  who 
fpiii  in  the  factories,- get  fome  four-pence, 
ibme  five-pence,  and  io  on  to  ilx,  ieven, 
eight,  nine  or  ten-pence  per.  day,  and  find 
their  own  home-room  and.  diet.  Great  : 
bers  of  poor  people  live  chicliy  on  bread  and 
water  in  the  ibuthern  parts  of  England,  and 
fome  in  the  northern  parts  ;  and  there  are 
many  poor  children  not  t;r,:r-ht  even  to  read, 
thofe  who  have  plenty,  lay  diefe  things 
to  heart ! 

a  frequently  go  upwards  of 
an  hundred  miles  in  twenty-ivHir  b.ours ;  and 
I  have  heard,  friends  fay,  in  feveral  places, 
chat  it  is  common  for  horfes  to  be  killed  with 

hard 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.    231 

hard  driving,  and  many  others   driven  till 
they  grow  blind. 

Poft-boys  purfue  their  bufinefs,  each  one 
to  his  ftagc,  all  night  thro'  the  winter  :  fbme 
boys,  who  ride  long  ftages,  liuTer  greatly  on 
winter  nights  ;  and,  at  feveral  places,  I  have 
heard   of  their   being    froze    to  death, 
great  is  the  hurry  in  the  fpirit  of  this  world, 
that  in  aiming  to  do  bufinefs  quick,  a., 
gain  wealth,  the  creation,  at  this  day,  doirh. 
loudly  groan  ! 

As  my  journey  hath  been  without  a  horfe, 
I  have  had  feveral  offers  of  being  aflifted  on 
my  way  in  thefe  Mage-coaches  ;  but  have 
not  been  in  them  :  nor  have  I  had  freedom 
to  fend  letters  by  thefe  pofts,  in  the  prefent 
way  of  their  riding ;  the  ftages  being  fo  fix- 
ed, and  one  boy  dependant  on  another  as  to 
time,  that  they  commonly  go  upward  of 
one  hundred  miles  in  twenty-four  hours; 
and  in  the  cold  Jong  winter  nights,  the  poor 
boys  fufFer  much. 

I  heard  in  America  of  the  way  of  thefe 
pofts  ;  and  cautioned  friends  in  the  general 
meeting  of  minifters  and  elders  at  Phihicld- 
phia,  and  in  the  yearly-meeting  of  minifters 
and  elders  at  London,  not  to  lend  letters  to 
me  on  any  common  occaiion  by  pofL  And 
though,  on  this  account,  I  may  be  likely  to 
hear  feldomer  from  my  family  left  behind  ; 
yet,  for  righteoulhefs  i<!ake,  I  am,  thro'  di- 
vine favour,  made  content. 

I  have 


232     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

I  have  felt  great  diftrefs  of  mind,  mice  I 
came  on  this  iiiand,  on  account  of  the  menir- 
bers  of  our  fociety  being  mixed  with  the 
world  in  various  forts  of  bufinefs  and  traf- 
fick,  carried  on  in  impure  channels.  Great 
is  the  trade  to  Africa  for  Haves !  and  in  load- 
ing thefe  fhips,  abundance  of  people  are  em- 
ployed in  the  factories  ;  amongft  whom  are 
many  of  our  fociety.  Friends,  in  early  times, 
refilled,  on  a  religious  principle,  to  make  or 
trade  in  fuperfluities  ;  of  which,  we  have 
many  large  teftimonies  on  record  :  but  for 
want  of  faithfulnefs,  fbmc  gave  way  ;  even 
fome,  whofe  examples  were  of  note  in  our 
fociety  ;  and  from  thence  others  took  more 
liberty.  Members  of  our  fociety  worked  in 
fuperfluities,  and  bought  and  fold  them; 
and  thus  dimnefs  of  fight  came  over  many  : 
at  length,  friends  got  into  the  ufe  of  fome 
i uperfluities  in  drefs,  and  in  the  furniture  of 
their  houfes ;  and  this  hath  fpread  from  lefs 
to  more,  till  fupenluity  of  fome  kinds  is 
common  amongft  us. 

In  this  declining  flate,  many  look  at  the 
example  one  of  another,  and  too  much  ne- 
glecl:  the  pure  feeling  of  truth.  Of  late  years, 
a  deep  exercife  hath  attended  my  mind,  that 
friends  may  dig  deep,  may  carefully  caft 
forth  the  loofe  matter,  and  get  down  to  the 
Rock,  the  fure  foundation,  and  there  hearken 
to  that  divine  voice  which  gives  a  clear  and 
certain  found  j  and  I  have  felt  in  that  which 

doth 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.    233 

doth  not  deceive,  that  if  friends,  who  have 
known  the  truth,  keep  in  that  tendernefs  of 
heart,  where  all  views  of  outward  gain  are 
given  up,  and  their  truft  is  only  on  the 
Lord,  he  will  gracioufly  lead  fome  to  be  pat- 
terns' of  deep  ielf-tlenial '  in  things  relating 
to  trade  and  handicraft  labour  ;  and  that 
fome,  who  have  plenty  of  the  treafures  of 
this  world,  will  example  in  a  plain  frugal 
life,  and  pay  wages  to  iiich  whom  they  may 
hire,  more  liberally  than  is  now  cuitomary 
in  fome  places. 

The  twenty- third  day  of  the  month,  was 
this  day  at  Preflon-Patrick,  and  had  a  com- 
fortable meeting.  I  have,  leveral  times,  been 
entertained  at  the  houfes  of  friends,  who  had 
fundry  things  about  them  which  had  the  ap- 
pearance of  outward  greatnefs  ;  and  as  I 
have  kept  inward,  way  hath  opened  for  con- 
verfation  with  fuch  in  private,  in  which  di- 
vine goodnefs  hath  favoured  us  together, 
with  heart-tendering  times. 

The  twenty-lixth  day  of  the  month.  Be- 
ing now  at  Ge'orge  Crosfields,  in  the  county 
of  Weftrnoreland,  I  feel  a  concern  to  com- 
mit to  writing,  that  which  to  me  hath  been 
a  cafe  uncommon. 

In  a  time  of  ficknefs  with  the  pleurify, 
a  little  upward  of  two  years  and  a  half  ago, 
I  was  brought  fo  near  the  gates  of  death, 
that  I  forgot  my  name  :  being  then  defirous 
to  know  who  I  was,  I  faw  a  mafs  of  matter 
of  a  dull  gloomy  colour,  between  the  fouth 

and 


234    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

and  the  eaft;  ai^d  was  informed,  i-yat  this 
inafs  was  human  l.t-ngs  in  as  great  mifery 
as  they  could  be,  and  live  ^  and  th~t  1  was 
mixed  in  \  rJi  them,  and  that  .rth  I 

might  not  coniider  myicif  as  ;i  d'iliiicl  or 
feparatc  being.  In  this  ilate  I  remained  fe- 
veral  'hours,  I  then  htard  a  fbft  melodious 
voice,  more  pure  and  harmonious  than  any 
1  had  heard  with  my  ears  before  ;  I  believ- 
ed it  was  the  voice  of  an  angel,  who  i'pake 
to'  the  other  aD^"]s:  the  words  were — John 
Woolman  is  dead.  I  foon  remembered  that  I 
once  was  John  Woolman ;  and  being  allured 
that  I  was  alive  in  the  body,  I  greatly  won- 
dered what  that  heavenly  voice  could  mean. 

I  believed,  beyond  doubting,  that  it  was 
the  voice  of  an  holy  angel ;  but,  as  yet,  it 
•was  a  myilery  to  me. 

I  was  then  carried  in  fpirit  to  the  mines, 
where  poor  opprefFed  people  were  digging 
rich  trciaiiires  for  »:hofe  called  chrillians ;  and 
heard  them  blafphcine  the  name  of  Chrift, 
at  which  I  was  grieved  ;  forliis  name  to  me 
was  precious. 

Then  I  was  informed,  that  thefe  hea- 
then were  told,  i:i.-;at  thofe  who  oppreiTed 
them  were  the  followers  of  Chriit ;  arid  they 
laid  ampngft  themlelves,  If  Chrifl  directed 
them  to  uie  us  in  this  fort,  then  Chriii  is  a 
cruel  tyrant. 

All  this  time  the  fong  of  the  angel  re- 
mained a  myilery  ;  and  in  the  morning,  my 
dear  wife  and  ibme  others  co-miner  to  m  v  bei- 

'  fide, 


OF     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.    235 

fide,  I  afked  them,  if  they  knew  who  I  was : 
and  they  telling  me,  I  was  John  Woolman, 
thought  I  was  light-headed  :  for  I  told  them 
not  what  the  angel  faid,  nor  was  I  difpofed 
to  talk  much  to  any  one ;  but  was  very  tie- 
firous  to  get  fo  deep,  that  I  might  uncier- 
ftand  this  myftery. 

My  tongue  was  often  fo  dry,  that  I 
could  not  Ipcak  till  I  had  moved  it  about 
and  gatheivd  fome  moifture,  and  as  I  lay  flifl 
for  a  time,  at  length  I  felt  divine  power  pre- 
pare my  mouth  that  I  could  fpeak ;  and  then 
I  faid,  "  I  am  crucified  with  Chrift,  never- 
"  thelefs  I  live;  yet  not  Iy  but  Chrift  that 
"  iiveth  in  me  :  and  the  life  I  now  live  in 
"  the  ilelh,  is  by  faith  in  the  Son  of  God, 
"  who  loved  me,  and  gave  himfelf  for  me.5' 

Then  the  myftery  was  opened ;  and  I  per- 
ceived there  was  joy  in  heaven  over  a  firmer 
who  had  repented ;  and  that  that  language 
(joh-n  Woolman  is  dead)  meant  no  more  than 
the  death  of  my  own  will. 

Scon  after  this  I  coughed,  and  raifed  much 
bloody  matter ;  which  I  had  not  done  during 
this  viflon:  and  now  my  natural  underftand- 
ing  returned  as  before. — Here  I  few,  that 
people  getting  filver  verTels  to  let  off  their  ta~ 
hies  at  entertainments,  was  often  Rained  with 
worldly  glory ;  and  that  in  the  prefent  date 
of  things,  frihould  take  heed  how  I  fed  rny- 
felf  from  out  of  iilver  veilels. 

Soon  after  my  recovery,  I,  going  to  our 
moathly-rneeting,  dined  at  a  friend's  liouie 

where 


236      THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

where  drink  was  brought  in  filver  veiTel?, 
and  not  in  any  other  ;  and  I  wanting  fomc 
drink,  told  him  my  cafe  with  weeping :  and 
he  ordered  fome  drink  for  me  in  another  vef- 
fel. 

The  like  I  afterwards  went  through  in 
feveral  friend's  houfes  in  America,  and  have 
alfo  in  England,  fince  I  came  here :  and  have 
caufe,  with  humble  reverence,  to  acknow- 
ledge the  loving-kindiiefs  of  mr  heavenly 
Father,  who  hath  preferred  me  in  fuch  a 
tender  frame  of  mind,  that  none,  I  believe, 
have  ever  been  offended  at  what  I  have  faid 
on  that  occafion. 

After  this  ficknefs,  I  fpake  not  in  publick 
meetings  for  wormip  for  near  one  year ;  but 
my  mind  was  very  often  in  company  with 
the  opprefled  flaves,  as  I  fat  in  meetings  : 
and  tho',  under  this  difpenfation,  I  was  ihut 
up  from  fpeaking,  yet  the  fpririg  of  the  gof- 
pel  miniftry  was,  many  times,  livingly  open- 
ed in  me  ;  and  the  divine  gift  operated  by 
abundance  of  weeping,  in  feeling  the  op- 
premoii  of  this  people.  It  being  ib  long 
fince  I  paiTed  thro'  this  difpeniation,  and  the 
matter  remaining  freih  and  livingly  in  my 
mind,  I  believe  it  fafefl  for  me  to  commit 
it  to  writing. 

The  thirtieth  clay  of  the  month.  This 
morning  I  wrote  a  letter,  in  fubftance  as 
follows  : 

Beloved 


OP     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.    237 

Beloved  friend, 

*  TV/fY  mind  is  often  affected  as  I  pafs 
•*•*-••  along,  under  a  fenfe  of  the  date  of 
many  poor  people,  who  fit  under  that  fort 
of  mimdry  which  requires  much  outward 
labour  to  fupport  it;  and  the  loving-kind- 
nefs  of  our  heavenly  Father,  in  opening  a 
pure  gofpel  minidry  in  this  nation,  hath  of- 
ten raifed  thankfulnefs  in  my  heart  to  him. 
I  often  remember  the  conflicts  of  the  faith- 
ful under  perfecution,  and  now  look  at  the 
free  exercife  of  the  pure  gift  uninterrupted 
by  outward  laws,  as  a  trufl  committed  to  us  ; 
which  requires  our  deeped  gratitude,  and 
mod  careful  attention.  I  feel  a  tender  con- 
cern, that  the  work  of  reformation,  fo  prof- 
peroufly  carried  on  in  this  land  within  a  few 
ages  pad,  may  go  forward  and  fpread  a-* 
mongd  the  nations  ;  and  may  not  go  back- 
ward, thro'  dud  gathering  on  our  garments, 
who  have  been  called  to  a, work  fo  great  and 
fo  precious." 

"  Lad  evening  I  had  a  little  opportunity 
at  thy  houfe,  with  fome  of  thy  family,  in 
thy  abfence  ;  in  which  I  rejoiced  :  and  feel- 
ing a  fweetnefs  on  my  mind  toward  thee,  I 
now  endeavour  to  open  a  little  of  the  feeling 
I  had  there." 

"  I  have  heard,  that  you,  in  thefe  parts, 
have,  at  certain  feafons,  meetings  of  confer- 
ence, in  relation  to  friends  living  up  to  our 
principles,  in  which  feveral  meetings  unite 

in 


23S     THE    LIFE   AND.  TRAVELS 

in  one ;  with  which  I  feel  unity :  I  having, 
in  force  meafure,  felt  truth  lead  that  way 
amongfl  friends  in  America  ;  and  have 
found,  my  dear  friend,  that  in  thefe  labours 
all  fuperfluities  in  our  own  living,  are  againft 
us.  I  feel  that  pure  love  toward  thee,  in 
which  there  is  freedom." 

"  I  look  at  that  precious  gift  bellowed  on 
thee,  with  awfulnefs  before  Him  who  gave 
it :  and  feel  a  care,  that  we  may  be  fo  iepa- 
rated  to  the  gofpel  of  Chrift,  that  thofe  things 
which  proceed  from  the  fpirit  of  this  world, 
may  have  110  place  among!!  us." 

"  Thy  friend, 
"  John  Wcolman." 

I  relied  a  few  days,  in  body  and  mind, 
with  our  friend  Jane  Crosneld  ;  who  was 
once  in  America:  was,  on  the  fixth  day  of 
ti#p*ek,  at  Kendal  in  Weftmoreland ;  and 
at  Greyrig  meeting  the  thirtieth  day  of  the 
month,  and  firft  of  the  week. 

I  have  known  poverty  of  late;  and  been 
graciouily  fupported  to  keep  in  the  patience : 
and  am  thaiikru.-,  under  a  fenfe  of  the  good- 
ncfs  of  the  Lord  toward  thofe  that  are  of  a 
contrite  fpirit. 

The  fixth  day  of  the  ninth  month,  and 
fir  ft  of  the  week,  was  this  day  at  Counter- 
fide  ;  a  large  nvjeting-houfe,  and  very  full  : 
and  thro'  the  opening  of  pure  love,  it  was 

a  ftrcngthen- 


OF     JOHN.  WOOL  MAN.    239 

;i  ftrengtheiiing  time  to  me,  and  (I  believe)' 

to  many  more. 

The  thirteenth  clay  of  the  month.  Was 
this  day  at  Richmond,  a  finall  meeting;  but 
the  town's  people  coming  in,  the  houie  was 
crowded:  it  was  a  time  of  heavy  labour;  and 
(I  believe)  was  a  profitable  meeting. 

At  this  place  I  heard  that  my  kinfman 
.William  Hunt  from  North -Carolina,  who 
was  on  a  religious  vifit  to  friends  in  Eng- 
land, departed  this  life  on 'the  ninth  day  of 
thj  ninth  month,  initant,  of  the  fmall-pox, 
at  Newcaflle. — He  appeared  in  the  ministry 
when  a  youth ;  and  his  labours  therein  were 
of  good  favor.  He  travelled  much  in  that 
work  in  America.  I  once  heard  him  fay  in 
public  teflimony,  that  his  concern  was  (in. 
that  vifit)  to  be  devoted  to  the  fervice  of 
Chrifc  fo  fully,  that  he  might  not  fpend  one 
minute  in  pleaiing  hiinielf :  which  words, 
joined  with  ins  example,  was  a  means  of  fur- 
ring up  the  pure  mind  in  me. 

Having  of  late  travelled  often  in  wet  wea- 
ther, thro*  narrow  itreets  in  towns  and  vil- 
lages, where  dirtinefs  under  foot,  and  the 
fcent  arifing  from  that  filth,  which  more  or 
lefs  infects  the  air  of  all  thick  fettled  towns ; 
and  I  being  but  weakly,  have  "felt  diftreis 
both  in  body  and  mind  with  that  which  is 
ixiipure. 

In  thefe  journies  I  have  been  where  much 
cloth  hath  been  dyed  j  and  fimdry  times 

walked 


240    THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

walked  over  ground,   where  much  of  .their 
dye  fluffs  have  drained  away. 

Here  I  have  felt  a  longing  in  my  mind^ 
that  people  might  come  into  cleannefs  of  fpi- 
rit,  cleannefs  of  perfon,  cleannefs  about  their 
houfes  and  garments. 

Some,  who  are  great,  carry  delicacy  to  a 
great  height  themfelves,  and  yet  the  real 
cleaniinefs  is  not  generally  promoted.  Dyes 
being  invented  partly  to  pleafe  the  eye,  and 
partly  to  hide  dirt,  I  have  felt  in  this  weak 
flate,  travelling  in  dirtinefs  and  affected  with 
tmwholefome  icents,  a  flrong  deiire  that  the 
nature  of  dyeing  cloth  to  hide  dirt  may  be 
more  fully  coniidered. 

To  hide  dirt  in  our  garments,  appears  op- 
polite  to  real  cleanlinefs. 

To  wafli  garments,  and  keep  them  fweet, 
this  appears  cleanly. 

Thro'  giving  way  to  hiding  dirt  in  our 
garments,  a  fpirit  which  would  cover  that 
which  is  difagreeable,  is  flrengthened. 

Real  cleannefs  becometh  a  holy  people  : 
but  hiding  that  which  is  not  clean  by  colour- 
ing our  garments,  appears  contrary  to  the 
fweetnefs  of  fiiicerity. 

Thro'  fome  forts  of  dyes,  cloth  is  lefs  ufe- 
ful ;  and  if  the  value  of  dye-fluffs,  the  ex- 
pence  of  dyeing,  and  the  damage  done  to 
cloth,  were  all  added  together,  and  that  ex- 
pence  applied  to  keep  all  Avcct  and  clean, 
how  much  more  cleanly  would  people  be. 

Near 


o  F     J  O  H  N     W  O  O  L  M  A  N.     241 

Oil  this  vifit  to  England  I  have  felt  fome 
iiiftrudlions  fealed  tin  iny  mind,  which  I  am 
concerned  to  leave  in  writing,  for  the  uie  of 
fuch  who  are  called  to  the  ilation  of  a  mini- 
fler  of  Chrift. 

Chriil  being  the  Prince  of  Peace,  and  we 
being  no  more  than  minifters,  I  find  it  ne- 
ceifary  for  us,  not  only  to  feel  a  concern  in 
our  firil  going  forth,  but  to  experience  the 
renewing  thereof,  in  the  appointment  of 
meetings. 

I  felt  a  concern  in  America,  to  prepare  for 
this  voyage  ;  and  being  through  the  mercy 
of  God,  brought  fare  here,  my  heart  was 
like  a  veflel  that  wanted  vent ;  and  for  feve- 
ral  weeks  at  firfl,  when  my  mouth  was  open- 
ed in  meetings,  it  often  felt  like  the  railing 
of  a  gate  in  a  water  courfe,  where  a  weight 
of  water  lay  upon  it ;  and  in  thefe  labours 
there  appeared  a  frelh  viiitation  to  many> 
cfpecially  the  youth  ;  but  fometimes  after  this^ 
I  felt  empty  and  poor,  and  yet  felt  a  necefli- 
ty  to  appoint  meetings. 

In  this  ftate  I  was  exercifed  to  abide  in  the 
pure  life  of  truth,  and  in  all  my  labours  to 
watch  diligently  againit  the  motions  of  felf 
in  my  own  mind. 

I  have  frequently  felt  a  neceffity  to  fland 
up,  when  the  fpring  of  the  mmifcry  was  low, 
and  to  ipeak  from  the  neceffity,  in  that  which 
fubjecleth  the  will  of  the  creature  ;  and  here- 
in I  was  united  with  the  fuffering  feed,  arid 
Found  inward  fweetnels  in  thefe  mortifying 
lab  our  Si 

R  '  As 


54.2     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

As  I  have  been  preferved  in  a  watchful  at- 
tention to  the  divine  leader,  under  thefe  dif- 
penfations,  enlargement  at  times  hath  fol- 
lowed, and  the  power  of  truth  hath  rofe  high- 
er in  fome  meetings,  than  I  ever  knew  it  be- 
fore through  me. 

Thus  I  have  been  more  and  more  inftrudl-* 
ed,  as  to  the  necemty  of  depending,  not  up- 
on a  concern  which  I  felt  in  America,  to  come 
on  a  vific  to  England  ;  but  upon  the  irefh  in- 
ftructions  of  Chrift  the  Prince  of  Peace,  from 
day  to  day. 

Now  of  late,  I  felt  a  Hop  in  the  appoint- 
ment of  meetings,  not  wholly  but  in  part  ; 
and  I  do  not  feel  liberty  to  appoint  them  fo 
quick  one  after  another  as  I  have  heretofore. 

The  work  of  the  miniftry,  being  a  work 
of  divine  love,  I  feel  that  the  openings  there- 
of are  to  be  waited  for,  in  all  our  appoint- 
ments. 

Oh  how  deep  is  divine  wifclom  !  Chrift  puts 
forth  his  minifters,  raid  goeth  before  them  ; 
and  oh  how  great  is  the  danger  of  departing 
from  the  pure  feeling  of  that  which  leadeth 
fafely  ! 

Chrift  knoweth  the  ftate  of  the  people,  and 
in  the  pure  feeling  of  the  gofpel  miniftry, 
t^eir  rentes  are  opened  to  his  fervants. 

Chrift  knowech  when  the  fruit-bearing 
branches  themfelves  have  need  of  purging. 

Oh  that  thefe  leilbns  may  be  remembered 
by  me  !  and  that  all  who  appoint  meetings, 
may  proceed  in  the  pure  feeling  of  duty. 

I  have 


OF    JOHN    WOOL  MAN.     245 

I  have  fometimes  felt  a  neceffity  to  (land 
up,  but  that  fpirit  which  is  of  the  world 
hath  fo  much  prevailed  in  man-,  and  the 
pure  life  of  truth  been  fo  prefled  down,  that 
I  have  gone  forward,  hot  as  one  travelling 
in  a  road  caft  up,  and  well  prepared,  but  as 
a  man  walking  through  a  miry  place,  in 
which  are  ftones  here  and  there,  fare  to  ftep 
on  ;  but  fo  (ituated  that  one  ftep  being  taken, 
time  is  neceffary  to  fee  where  to  ftep  next. 

Now  I  find  that  in  the  pure  obedience,  the 
mind  learns  contentment,  in  appearing  weak 
and  foolifh  to  that  wifdoin  which  is  of  the 
world  ;  and  in  thefe  lowly  labours,  they  who 
(land  in  a  low  place,  rightly  exercifed  under 
the  crofs,  will  find  nourifliment. 

The  gift  is  pure,  and  while  the  eye  is  {in- 
gle in  attending  thereto,  the  underftanding 
is  preferred  clear  ;  felf  is  kept  out ;  weNfejoice 
in  filling  up  that  which  remains  of  tne  af- 
flictions of  Chrift,  for  his  body's  fake,  which 
is  the  church. 

The  natural  man  loveth  eloquence,  and 
many  love  to  hear  eloquent  orations  ;  and  if 
there  is  not  a  careful  attention  to  the  gift, 
men  who  have  once  laboured  in  the  pure  gof- 
pel  miniftry,  growing  weary  of  fufFeringj 
and  aihamed  of  appearing  weak,  may  kindle 
a  fire,  compafs  themfelves  about  with  fparks, 
and  walk  in  the  light ;  not  of  Chrift  who  is 
under  fuffering  ;  but  of  that  fire,  which  they, 
going  from  the  gift,  have  kindled  :  And  that 
in  hearers,  which  is  gone  from  the  meek  fuf- 
fering ftate,  into  the  worldly  wifdom,  may 
R  2  be 


244     THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

be  warmed  with  this  fire,  and  fpeak  highly 
of  thele  labours.  That  which  is  of  God  ga- 
thers to  God  ;  and  that  which  is  of  the  world 
is  owned  by  £he  world. 

In  this  journey  a  labour  hath  attended  my 
mind,  that  the  minifters  amongft  us  may  be 
preferved  in  the  meek  feeling  life  of  truth, 
where  we  may  have  no  defire,  but  to  follow 
Chrift  and  be  with  him ;  that  when  he  is  un- 
der fuifering  we  may  fuffer  with  him  ;  and 
never  defire  to  rife  up  in  dominion,  but  as 
he  by  the  virtue  of  his  own  fpirit  may  raifc 
jus. 


A  few  days  after  writing  thefe  confiderati- 
ons,  cur  dear  friend  in  the  courfe  of  his  reli- 
gious vifits,  came  to  the  city  of  York,  and 
attended  moil  of  the  fittings  of  the  quarterly 
meeting  there ;  but  before  it  was  over,  was 
taken  ill  of  the  fmall-pox.  Our  friend  Tho- 
mas Prieflmaii  and  others  who  attended  him, 
preferved  the  following  minutes  of  his  expref- 
lions  in  the  time  of  his  ficknefs,  and  of  his 
deceafe. 

i  ft  day,  the  2 yth  of  the  Qth  month  1772. 
His  diibrder  appeared  to  be  the  fmall-pox : 
-being  afked  to  have  a  doctor's  advice,  he  fig- 
nified  he  had  not  freedom  or  liberty  in  his 
mind  fo  to  do,  Handing  wholly  refigned  to 
his  will,  who  gave  him  life,  and  whole  pow- 
er he  had  witneffed  to  raife  and  heal  hiin  in 
iickneis  before,  when  he  feemed  nigh  unto 
death  j  and  if  he  was  to  wind  up  now,  he 

was 


OP     JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     245 

was  perfectly  refigned,  having  no  will  either 
to  live  or  die,  and  did  not  choofe  any  mould 
be  fent  for  to  him  :  but  a  young  man,  an 
apothecary,  coming  of  his  own  accord  the 
next  day,  and  deiiring  to  do  fomething  for 
him,  he  faid  he  found  a  freedom  to  confer 
with  him  and  the  other  friends  about  him, 
and  if  any  thing  mould  be  propofed,  as  to 
medicine  that  did  not  come  thro'  defiled  chan- 
nels or  oppreffive  hands,  he  mould  be  wil- 
ling to  coniider  and  take  it,  fo  far  as  he 
found  freedom. 

2d  day.  He  Taid  he  felt  the  diforder  to  af- 
fect his  head,  fo  that  he  could  think  little, 
and  but  as  a  child  ;  and  defired  if  his  under- 
Handing  mould  be  more  affected,  to  have 
nothing  given  him  that  thofe  about  knew  he 
had  a  teftimoiiy  againft. 

Third-day  he  uttered  the  following  pray- 
er.— O  Lord  my  God,  the  amazing  hor- 
rors of  darknefs  were  gathered  around  me 
and  covered  me  all  over,  and  I  faw  110  way 
to  go  forth ;  I  felt  the  depth  and  extent  of 
the  mifery  of  my  fellow  creatures  feparated 
from  the  divine  harmony,  and  it  was  heavi- 
er than  I  could  bear,  and  I  was  crufhed  down 
under  it,  I  lifted  up  my  hand,  I  ftretched 
out  my  arm,  but  there  was  none  to  help  me  ; 
I  looked  round  about  and  was  amazed  ;  in 
the  depths  of  mifery,  O  Lord !  I  remembered 
that  thou  art  omnipotent,  that  I  had  called 
thee  Father,  and  I  felt  that  I  loved  thee,  and 
I  was  made  quiet  in  thy  will,  and  I  waited 
for  deliverance  from  thee  j  thou  hadft  pity 

upon 


146     THE    LIFE    AND    TRAVELS 

upon  me  when  no  man  could  help  me ;  I  faw 
that  meeknefs  under  fullering  was  mewed  to 
us  in  the  mod  arTecling  example  of  thy  Son, 
and  thou  taught  me  to  follow  him,  and  I 
faid  "  thy  wiii  O  Father  be  done." 

Fourth  day  mcrning,  being  afked  how  he 
felt  himfelf,  he  meekly  anfwercd,  I  don't 
know  that  I  have  flept  this  night,  I  feel  the 
diforder  making  its  progrefs,  but  iny  mind 
is  mercifully  preferved  in  ftilinefs  and  peace  : 
fometime  after  he  faid  he  was  fenfible  the 
pains  of  death  mufl  be  hard  to  bear,  but  if 
he  efcaped  them  now,  he  mufl  fometime  pafs 
thro'  them,  and  he  did  not  know  that  he 
could  be  better  prepared,  but  had  no  will  in 
it.  He  faid  he  had  fettled  his  outward  af- 
fairs to  his  mind,  had  taken  leave  of  his 
•wife  and  family  as  never  to  return,  leaving 
them  to  the  divine  protection  j  adding,  and 
tho'  I  feel  them  near  to  me  at  this  time,  yet 
I  freely  give  them  up,  having  a  hope  that 
they  will  be  provided  for.  And  a  little  after 
laid,  This  trial  is  made  eafier  than  I  could 
have  thought,  my  will  being  wholly  taken 
away  ;  for  if  I  was  anxious  for  the  event 
it  would  have  been  harder,  but  I  am  not, 
and  my  mind  enjoys  a  perfect  calm. 

In  the  night  a  young  woman  having  given 
him  fomething  to  drink,  he  faid,  My  child 
thou  feems  very  kind  to  me  a  poor  creature, 
the  Lord  will  reward  thee  for  it.  Awhile  af- 
ter he  cried  out  with  great  earneftnefs  of 
fpirit,  Oh  my  Father  !  my  Father !  and  foon 
sifter  he  laid.  Oh  my  Father !  my  Father  ! 

how. 


OF    JOHN     WOOL  MAN.     247 

how  comfortable  art  thou  to  my  foul  in  this 
trying  feafbn.  Being  afked  if  he  could  take 
a  little  nourishment ;  after  fome  paufe  he  re- 
plied, my  child  I  cannot  tell  what  to  fay  to 
it ;  I  feein  nearly  arrived  where  my  foul  Ihall 
have  reft  from  all  its  troubles.  After  giving 
in  fomething  to  be  inferred  in  his  journal, 
he  faid,  I  believe  the  Lord  will  now  excufe 
me  from  exercifes  of  this  kind ;  and  I  fee  no 
work  but  one  which  is  to  be  the  lafl  wrought 
by  me  in  this  world,  the  meflenger  will  come 
that  will  releafe  me  from  all  thefe  troubles  ;% 
but  it  muft  be  in  the  Lord's  time,  which  I 
am  waiting  for.  He  faid  he  had  laboured  to 
do  whatever  was  reqxnred,  according  to  the 
ability  received,  in  the  remembrance  of 
which  he  had  peace;  and  tho'  the  diforder 
was  flrong  at  times,  and  would  like  a  whirl- 
wind corne  over  his  mind  ;  yet  it  had  hither- 
to been  kept  fteady  and  center'd  in  everlall- 
ing  love;  adding,  and  if  that  be  mercifully 
continued,  I  aik  nor  defire  no  more.  An- 
other time  he  faid,  he  had  long  had  a  view 
of  vifiting  this  nation,  and  fometime  before 
he  came  had  a  dream,  in  which  he  faw 
himfelf  in  the  northern  parts  of  it,  and  that 
the  fpring  of  the  gofpel  was  opened  in  him 
much  as  in  the  beginning  of  friends,  fuch  as 
George  Fox  and  William  Dewfberry,  and  he 
faw  the  different  ftates  of  the  people,  as  clear 
'as  he  had  ever  feen  flowers  in  a  garden ;  but 
in  his  going  along  he  was  fuddenly  iiopt, 
tho'  he  could  not  fee  for  what  end  ;  but 

Looking 


THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

looking  towards  home,  fell  into  a  flood  of 
tears  which  waked  him. 

At  another  time  he  faid.  my  draught  feem- 
ed  flrongeft  towards  the  North,  and  I  men- 
tioned in  my  own  monthly-meeting,  that 
attending  the  quarterly-meeting  at  York, 
and  being  there,  looked  like  home  to  me. 

Fifth-day  night,  having  repeatedly  con- 
fented  to  take  medicine  with  a  view  to  fettle 
his  ftpmach,  but  without  erFedl ;  the  friend 
then  waiting  on  him,  faid  thro'  diflrefs, 
what  mall  I  do  now  ?  He  anfwered  with  great 
compofure,  Rejoice  ever  more,  and  in  every 
thing  give  thanks ;  but  added  a  little  after, 
this  is  fometimes  hard  to  come  at. 

Sixth-day  morning  he  broke  forth  early  in 
{application  on  this  wife,  O  Lord  it  was  thy 
power  that  enabled  me  to  forfake  fin  in  my 
youth,  and  I  have  felt  thy  bruifes  for  difc- 
obedience  ;  but  as  I  bowed  under  them  thou 
healed  me,  continuing  a  father  and  a  friend; 
I  feel  thy  power  now,'  and  I  beg  that  in  the 
approaching  trying  moment  Thou  wilt  keep 
my  heart  ftedfaft  unto  thee.  Upon  his  giv- 
ing directions  to  a  friend  concerning  fbme 
little  things, -me  faid  I  will  take  care,  but 
hope  thpu  wilt  live  to  order  them  thyielf; 
he  reply'd,  my  hope  is  in  Chriit,  and  tho'  I 
may  feem  a  little  better,  a  change  in  the  dif- 
brdermay  foon  happen,  and  my  little  ftrength 
be  diifolved,  and  if  it  fo  happens,  I  (hall  be 
gathered  to  my  everlafting  reft.  On  her  fay- 
ing ilie  did  not  doubt  that,  but  could  no* 
help  mourning  ,to  fee  fo  many  faithful  fer- 


OF    JOHN     WOOL  MAN.    24$ 

vants  removed  at  fo  low  a  time  ;  he  faid  all 
good  cometh  from  the  Lord,  whofe  power  is 
the  fame,  and  can  work  as  he  fees  beft.  The 
fame  day  he  had  given  directions  about 
wrapping  his  corpfe  ;  perceiving  a  friend  to 
weep,  he  faid  I  would  rather  thou  wouldft 
guard  againft  weeping  for  me,  my  fitter,  I 
Torrow  not,  tho'  I  have  had  fome  painful  con- 
flicts, but  now  they  feem  over  and  matters 
well  fettled,  and  I  look  at  the  face  of  my 
dear  redeemer,  for  fweet  is  his  voice  and 
his  countenance  is  comely. 

Firft-day,  fourth  of  the  tenth  month,  being 
very  weak  and  in  general  difficult  to  be  un- 
derftood,  he  uttered  a  tew  words  in  comme- 
moration of  the  Lord's  goodnefs  ;  and  add- 
ed, how  tenderly  have  I  been  waited  on  in 
this  time  of  affliction,    in  which  I  may  fay 
in  Job's  words,  Tedious  days  and  \vearifome 
nights  are  appointed  unto  me,  and  how  ma- 
ny are  fpending  their  time  and  money  in 
vanity    and   fuperrluities,    while    thoufarids 
and  tens  of  thoufands  want  the  nee  E 
life,  who   might  be  relieved  by  t 
their  dillrelles  at  fuch  a  time  as  tins,  i:. 
degree  foftened  by  the  adminikrlii^  fuLable 
things. 

Second-day  morning  the  apothecary  who 
appeared  very  anxious  to  aiiiil  him,  being 
prefent,  he  queried  about  the  probability  of 
iuch  a  load  of  matter  being  thrown  off  his 
weak  body,  and  the  apothecary  making  -bme 
remarks  implying  he  thouglit.it  might;  he 
fpoke  with  an  audio Ae  vui.ce  on  tills  wife. 

My 


THE  LIFE  AND  TRAVELS 

My  dependance  is  on  the  Lord  Jefus,  who  I 
trull  will  forgive  my  fins,  which  is  all  I  hope 
for,  and  if  it  be  his  will  to  raiie  up  this  body 
again,  I  am  content ;  and  if  to  die,  I  am  re- 
figned  ;  and  if  thou  canit  not  be  eafy  with- 
out trying  to  ailifl  nature,  I  fubmit  :  after 
which  his  throat  was  fo  much  affected,  that 
it  was  very  difficult  for  him  to  fpeak  fo  as  to 
be  underiiood,  and  frequently  wrote  when 
he  wanted  any  thing.  About  the  fecond 
hour  on  fourth-day  morning  he  aiked  for 
pen  and  ink,  and  at  feveral  times  with  much 
difficulty  wrote  thus,  I  believe  my  being 
here  is  in  the  wifdom  of  Chrifl,  I  know  not 
as  to  life  or  death. 

About  a  quarter  before  fix  the  fame  morn- 
ing he  feemed  to  fall  into  an  eafy  fleep,  which 
continued  about  half  an  hour,  when  ieeming 
to  awake,  he  breathed  a  few  times  with  more 
difficulty,  and  expired  without  figh, 
or  ilruggle. 


END      OF      THE      JOURNAL., 


THE 


W    O    R    K    S 


O    F 


JOHN    WOOL  MAN. 

PART   the   SECOND. 

Containing  his  LAST   EPISTLE  and  his 
other   WRITINGS. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED   BY   JOSEPH  CRUKSHANK,    IN  MARKET- 
STREET,  BETWEEN  SECOND  AND  THIRD  STREETS. 

M.DCC.LSXIV. 


SOME 

CONSIDERATIONS 

On   the   KEEPING   of 

N    E    G    R     0    E    S. 

Recommended  to  the  Profeflbrs  of  Chrifti- 
anity  of  every  Denomination. 

Firft  printed  in  the  year    1754. 



INTRODUCTION. 

/CUSTOMS  generally  approved,  and  opi- 
^  nions  received  by  youth  from  their  fupe- 
riors,  become  like  the  natural  produce  of  a  foil \ 
efpe  dally  vuhen  they  are  fuited  to  favourite  in- 
clinations :  but  as  the  judgments  of  God  arc 
without  partiality,  by  'which  the  jlate  of  the 
foul  muft  be  tried,  it  ivould  be  the  highefl  ivif- 
dom  to  forego  cujloms  and  popular  opinions,  and 
try  the  treafures  of  the  foul  by  the  infallible 
jlandard  truth. 

Natural  affeftion  needs  a  careful  examina- 
tion: operating  upon  us  in  afoft,  manner,  it  kin- 
dles dejires  of  love  and  tendernefs,  and  there  is 
danger  of  taking  it  for  foM£ thing  higher.  To 

me 


254    INTRODUCTION. 

me  it  appears  an  injlincl  like  that  ivhich  infi 
creatures  have  ;  each  of  them,  ive  fee,  \y  the 
ties  of  nature,  love  felt  beft  ;  that  'which  is  a 
fart  of  felf,  they  love  by  the  fame  tie  or  in- 
Jlincl.  In  them  it,  in  fame  meafure,  does  the  of- 
fices of  rex/on,  by  ivhifh,  among  other  things, 
they  watchfully  keep,  and  orderly  feed  their 
helplefs  offspring.  Thus  natural  affection  ap- 
pears to  be  a  branch  of  felf-love,  good  in  the 
animal  race,  in  us  likeivife,  ivith  proper  limita- 
tions ;  but  otherivife  is  productive  of  evil,  by 
exciting  deftres  to  promote  ibme  by  means  preju- 
dicial to  others. 

Our  blejfed  Saviour  feems  to  give  a  check  to 
this  irregular  fondnefs  in  nature,  and,  at  the 
fame  time,  a  precedent  for  us:  "  Who  is  my 
"  mother,  and  who  are  my  brethren?"  there- 
by intimating,  that  th^  earthly  tics  of  relation- 
jlripi  are^  comparatively,  inconfiderable  tofuch, 
ii'ho,  thro  a  fleady  courfe  of  obedience,  have 
come  to  the  happy  experience  of  the  fpirit  of 
God  bearing  ivitncfs  ivith  their  fpirits  that  they 
are  his  children: — "  And  he  ilretched  forth 
*'  his  hands  towards  his  difciples,  and  laid, 
"  Behold  my  mother,  and  my  brethren  :  For 
"  whofoever  mail  do  the  will  of  my  Fa- 
4t  ther  which  is  in  heaven  C arrives  at  the' 
-more  noble  part  of  true  relationship)  "  the  fame 
'  is  my  brother,  and  fifter,  and  mother," 
Matt.  xii.  48. 

This  doclrine  agrees  'well  ivitb  a  fiate  truly 
tompkat,    •where  love  necejjarily   operates   ac- 
cording 


INTRODUCTION. 

cording  to  the  agreeabknefs  of  things  on  princfo 
pics  unalterable  and  in  thcnifelves  perfect. 

If  endeavouring  to  have  my  children  eminent 
amongjl  men  after  my  death,  be  that  'which  ni 
reafons grounded  on  t  h  of e  principles  can  be  brought 
to  fupport ;  then  to  be  temperate  in  my  purfuit 
after  gain,  and  to  keep  always  'within  thz 
bounds  of  thofe  principles,  is  an  indifpenfMe 
duty,  and  to  depart  from  it,  a  dark  unfruitful 
toil. 

In  our  prefent  condition,  to  love  our  children 
is  needful  ;  but  except  this  love  proceeds  from 
the  true  heavenly  principle  'which  fees  beyond 
earthly  treafures,  it  'will  rather  be  injurious 
than  of  any  real  advantage  to  them :  'where  th: 
fountain  is  corrupt,  the  Jireams  mujl  necejfarily 
be  impure. 

That  important  injunction  of  our  Saviour, 
Matt.  vi.  33.  'with  the  Promife  annexed,  con- 
tains afnort  but  comprehenfive  view  of  our  du- 
ty and  happinefs : — If  then  the  bufinefs  of  man- 
kind in  this  life,  is,  tofrftfeek  another ;  if  this 
cannot  be  done,  but  by  attending  to  the  means  ; 
if  afummary  of  the  means  is,  Not  to  do  that 
to  another  which,  in  like  circumftances,  we 
would  not  have  done  unto  us,  then  thefe  arz 
points  of  moment,  and  'worthy  of  cur  moft  ferir 
ous  confederation. 

What  I  ivrite  on  thisfubjecl  is  with  relucl- 
ance,  and  the  hints  given  are  in  as  general 
terms  as  my  concern  ivould  allo'w :  I  know  it  is 
a  point  about  'which,  in  all  its  branches,  men 
that  appear  to  aim  fwdl  are  not  generally  a- 

greed ; 


256     INTRODUCTION. 

greed;  and  for  that  reafon^  I  chofe  to  avoid  be- 
ing very  particular. — If  I  may  happily  have  let 
drop  any  tbi:i^  that  may  excite  fuch  as  are  con- 
cerned in  the  practice  to  a  clofe  thinking  on  the 
Jubjefl  treai .'u  oj\  tht  candid  amongjl  them  may 
eqfily  do  th.  Juljecl  fuch  further  jujlice^  asy  on 
an  impartial  enquiry,  it  may  appear  to  deferve  ; 
q&d  Juch  uii  enquiry  I  "would  earneftiy  reconi" 
mend. 


SOME 


SOME 


C  O  N  S  I  D  E  R  A  T  I  O  N  S,  &c. 


MATT.  xxv.  40. 

Torafmuch  as  ye  did  it  to  the  leap  of  theft  my 
brethren^  yz  did  it  unto  me. 

AS  many  times  there  are  different  mo- 
tives to  the  fame  actions  ;    and  one 
does  that   from    a    generous    heart, 
which  another  does   for  felmli  ends. — The 
like  may  be  faid  in  this  cafe. 

There  are  various  circumftances  amongfl 
them  that  keep  negroes,  and  different  ways 
by  which  they  fall  under  their  care ;  and,  I 
doubt  not,  there  are  many  well-difpofed  per- 
fons  amongft  them  who  defire  rather  to  ma- 
nage wifely  and  juftly  in  this  difficult  mat- 
,  ter,  than  to  make  gain  of  it. 

But  the  general  difadvantage  which  thefe 
poor  Africans  lie  under  in  an  enlight'ned 
chriftian  country,  having  often  filled  me  with 
real  fadnefs,  and  been  like  undigefted  matter 
on  my  mind,  I  now  think  it  my  duty,  thro' 
divine  aid,  to  offer  fome  thoughts  thereon  to 
the  confideration  of  others. 

S  When 


• ' 


258    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

When  we  remember  that  all  nations  are  of 
one  blood,  Gen  iii.  20.  that  in  this  world  we 
are  but  fbjouraers,  that  we  are  fubjecl  to  the 
like  afflictions  and  infirmities  of  body,  the 
like  di (orders  and  frailties  in  mind,  the  like 
temptations,  the  fame  death,  and  the  fame 
judgment,  and,  that  the  all-wife  Being  is 
Judge  and  Lord  over  us  all,  it  feems  to  raife 
an  idea  of  a  general  brotherhood,  and  a  dif- 
pofiiion  cafy  to  be  touched  with  a  feeling  of 
each  others  afflictions :  but  when  we  forgot 
thofe  things,  and  look  chiefly  at  our  out- 
ward circumftances,  in  this  and  fome  ages 
pa(t,  conftantly  retaining  in  our  minds  the 
diitinction  betwixt  us  and  them,  with  re- 
fpecl:  to  our  knowledge  and  improvement  in 
things  divine,  natural  and  artificial,  our 
brealls  being  apt  to  be  filled  with  fond  no- 
tions of  fuperiority,  there  is  danger  of  err- 
ing in  our  conduct  toward  them. 

We  allow  them  to  be  of  the  fame  fpecies 
with  ourfelves ;  the  odds  is,  we  are  in  a  high- 
er ftatioii,  and  enjoy  greater  favours  than 
they.  And  when  it  is  thus,  that  our  heaven- 
ly Father  endowed),  fome  of  his  children  with 
diftinguifhed  gifts,  they  are  intended  for 
good  ends  ;  but  if  thofe  thus  gifted  are 
thereby  lifted  up  above  their  brethren,  not 
confidering  themfelves  as  debtors  to  the 
weak,  nor  behaving  themfelves  as  faithful 
ftewards,  none  who  judge  impartially  can 
iiippofe  them  free  from  ingratitude. 

When  a  people  dwell  uudcr  the  liberal  di- 
flribarion  of  favours  from  heaven,  it  be- 
hoves 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     259 

lioves  them  carefully  to  infpect  their  ways, 
and  confider  the  purpofes  for  which  thofe 
favours  were  beftowed,  left,  thro'  forgetful- 
nefs  of  God,  and  mifufing  his  gifts,  they  in- 
cur his  heavy  difpleafure,  whofe  judgments 
are  jufl  and  equal,  who  exalteth  and  hum- 
bleth  to  the  dull  as  he  feeth  meet. 

It  appears,  by  Holy  Record,  that  men  un- 
der high  favours  have  been  apt  to  err  in  their 
opinions  concerning  others.  Thus  Ifrael,  ac- 
cording to  the  description  of  the  prophet, 
Ifa.  Ixv.  5.  when  exceedingly  corrupted  and 
degenerated,  yet  remembered  they  were  the 
chofen  people  of  God;  and  could  fay,  "  Stand 
"  by  thyfelf,  come  not  near  me,  for  I  am  ho- 
"  Her  than  thou."  That  this  'was  no  chance 
language,  but  their  common  opinion  of  other 
people,  more  fully  appears,  by  confidering 
the  circumftances  which  attended  when  God 
was  beginning  to  fulfil  his  precious  promifes 
concerning  the  gathering  of  the  Gentiles. 

The  Moil-High,  in  a  vinon,  undeceived 
Peter,  firft  prepared  his  heart  to  believe  ; 
and,  at  the  houfe  of  Cornelius,  {hewed  him 
of  a  certainty  that  God  was  no  refpecler  of 
perfons. 

The  effufion  of  the  Holy  Ghofl  upon  a 
people,  with  whom  they,  the  Jewiih  chrif- 
tians  would  not  fo  much  as  eat,  was  fhrange 
to  them  :  All  they  of  the  circumcifion  were 
aftonifhed  to  fee  it ;  and  the  apoflles  and  bre- 
thren of  Juclea  contended  with  Peter  about 
it,  till  he,  having  rehearfed  'the  whole  mat- 
ter, and  fully  fliewn  that  the  Father's  love 
S  2  was 


260    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

xvas  unlimited,  they  are  thereat  flruck  with 
admiration,  and  cry  out,  "  Then  hath  God 
"  alfo  to  the  Gentiles  granted  repentance 
"  unto  life  !  " 

The  opinion  of  peculiar  favours  being  con- 
fix 1  to  them,  was  deeply  rooted,  or  elfe  the 
above  inftance  had  been  lefs  flrange  to  them, 
for  thefe  reafbns  :  Firft,  They  were  generally 
acquainted  with  the  writings  of  the  pro- 
phets, by  whom  this  time  was  repeatedly 
fpoken  of,  and  pointed  at.  Secondly,  Our 
b.lefTed  Lord  fliortly  before  exprefly  laid,  "  I 
<c  have  other  iheep,  not  of  this  fold,  them 
"  alfo  muil  I  bring,"  &c.  Laftly,  His  words 
to  them  after  his  refurrection,  at  the  very 
time  of  his  afcenfion,  "  Ye  mall  be  witnefles 
"  tome,  not  only  in  Jerufalcm,  Judea,  and 
"  Samaria,  but  to  the  uttermoft  parts  of  the 
"  earth." 

Thofe  concurring  circumftances,  one*  would 
think,  might  have  railed  a  ftrong  expevflatioa 
of  feeing  fuch  a  time ;  yet,  when  it  came,  it 
proved  matter  of  offc'ice  and  aftoniihment. 

To  consider  mankind  otherwife  than  bre- 
thren, to  think  favours  are  peculiar  to  one 
nation,  and  exclude  others,  plainly  fuppofes 
a  darknefs  in  the  undemanding :  for  as  God's 
love  is  univerfal,  fo  where  the  mind  is  fuf- 
ficiently  influenced  by  it,  it  begets  a  likenef* 
:lf,  and  the  heart  is  enlarged  towards 
all  men.  Again,  to  conclude  a  people  fro- 
ward,  perverfe,  and  worfe  by  nature  than 
others  (who  ungratefully  receive  favours, 
and  apply  them  to  bad  ends)  this  will  excite 

a  behaviour 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     261 

a  behaviour  toward  them  unbecoming  the 
excellence  of  true  religion. 

To  prevent  fuch  error,  let  us  calmly  coiifi- 
der  their  circumilance ;  and,  the  better  to  doj|\ 
it,  make  their  cafe  ours.  Suppofe,  then,\\ 
that  our  anceflors  and  we  had  been  expofed 
to  conftant  fervitude,  in  the  more  fervile  and 
inferior  employments  of  life  ;  that  we  had 
been  deflitute  of  the  help  of  reading  and  good 
company  ;  that  amongft  ourfelves  we  had 
had  few  wife  and  pious  in  fir  actors  ;  that  the 
-religious  amongft  our  fuperiors  feldom  took 
notice  of  us  ;  that  while  others,  in  eafe, 
have  plentifully  heaped  up  the  fruit  of  our 
labour,  we  had  received  barely  enough  to  re- 
lieve nature  ;  and  being  wholly  at  the  com- 
mand of  others,  had  generally  been  treated 
as  a  contemptible,  ignorant  part  of  man- 
kind :  ihould  we,  in  that  cafe,  be  lefs  abje-ft 
than  they  now  are  ?  Again,  If  oppreflion  be 
fo  hard  to  bear,  that  a  wife  man  is  made 
mad  by  it,  Eccl.  vii.  7.  then  a  feries  of  thofe 
things  altering  the  behaviour  and  manners 
of  a  people,  is  what  may  reafonably  be  ex- 
peded. 

When  our  property  is  taken  contrary  to 
our  mind,  by  means  appearing  to  us  unjuit, 
it  is  only  through  divine  influence,  and  the 
enlargement  of  heart  from  thence  proceed- 
ing, that  we  can  love  our  reputed  oppref- 
•    ibrs :   if  the  Negroes  fall  ihor:  in  this,    an 
uneafy,  if  not  a  difconfolate  difpofiuon,  will 
be  awakened,  and  remain  like  feeds  in  their 
minds,  producing  floth  and  many  other  ha- 
bit* 


262     CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

bits  appearing  odious  to  us  ;  with  which,  be- 
ing  free  men,  they,  perhaps,  had  not  been 
chargeable.  Thefe,  and  other  circumftances, 
rightly  coniidered,  will  leffen  that  too  great 
difparity,  which  ibme  make  between  us  and 
them. 

Integrity  of  heart  hath  appeared  in  fdme 
of  them  ;  fo  that,  if  we  continue  in  the  word 
of  Chrift  (previous  to  difciplefhip,  John  viii. 
31.)  and  our  conduct  towards  them  be  fea- 
ibned  with  his  love,  we  may  hope  to  fee  the 
good  effect  of  it :  the  which,  in  a  good  de- 
gree, is  the  cafe  with  fome  into  whofe  hands 
they  have  fallen  :  but  that  too  many  treat 
them  otherwife,  not  fesming  confcious  of 
any  neglect,  is,  alas  !  too  evident. 

When  felf-love  prefides  in  our  minds,  our 
opinions  are  biafled  in  our  own  favour ;  in 
this  condition,  being  concerned  with  a  peo- 
ple fo  fituated,  that  they  have  no  voice  to 
plead  their  own  caufe,  there's  danger  of  uf- 
ing  ourfelves  to  an  undiilurbed  partiality, 
till,  by  long  cuftom,  the  mind  becomes  re- 
conciled with  it,  and  the  judgment  it! elf  in- 
fected. 

To  humbly  apply  to  God  for  wifdom,  that 
we  may  thereby  be  enabled  to  fee  things  as 
they  are,  and  ought  to  be,  is  very  needful  ; 
hereby  the  hidden  things  of  darknefs  may 
be  brought  to  light,  and  the  judgment  made 
clear :  we  mall  then  confider  mankind  as  bre- 
thren. Though  different  degrees  and  a  vari- 
ety of  qualifications  and  abilities,  one  de- 
pendant on  another,  be  admitted,  yet  high 

thoughts 


KEEPING    OF    NEGPvOES.     263 

thoughts  will  be  laid  afide,  and  all  men  treat- 
ed as  becometh  the  ions  of  one  father,  agree- 
able to  the  doctrine  of  Chrift  Jefus. 

"  He  hath  laid  down  the  beft  criterion, 
by  which  mankind  ought  to  judge  of  their 
own  conduct,  and  others  judge  for  them  of 
theirs,  one  towards  another,  viz.  "  What- 
"  foever  ye  would  that  men  mould  do  unto 
11  you,  do  ye  even  fo  to  them."  I  take  it,  . 
that  all  men  by  nature,  are  equally  entitled 
to  the  equity  of  this  rule,  and  under  the  in- 
difpenfable  obligations  of  it.  One  man  ought 
not  to  look  upon  another  man,  or  fociety  of 
men,  as  fo  far  beneath  him  ;  but  that  he 
mould  put  himfelf  in  their  place,  in  all  his 
actions  towards  them,  and  bring  all  to  this 
teft,  viz.  How  mould  I  approve  of  this  con-' 
duct,  were  I  in  their  circumflance,  and  they 
in  mine  ?"  A.  Arfcot's  Confiderations,  p.  III., 
fol.  107. 

This  doctrine  being  of  a  moral  unchange^ 
able  nature,  hath  been  likewife  inculcated  in 
the  former  difpenfation ;  "  If  a  ftranger  fo- 
"  journ  with  thee  in  your  land,  ye  mall  not 
"  vex  him ;  but  the  ftranger  that  dweiieth 
"  with  you,  mall  be  as  one  born  amongft 
"  you,  and  thou  malt  love  him  as  thyfelf,'1 
Lev.  xix.  33,  34.  Had  thefe  people  come  vo- 
luntary and  dwelt  amongft  us,  to  have  called 
them  ftrangers  would  be  proper;  and  their 
being  brought  by  force,  with  regret,  and  a 
languiihing  mind,  may  well  raife  compailion 
in  a  heart  rightly  difpofed  :  but  there  is  no- 
thing in  fuch  treatment,  which  upon  a  wife 

and 


T 


CONSIDERATIONS  ox  THE 


and  judicious  confideration,  will  any  ways 
1:  icn  their  right  of  being  treated  as  ftran- 
gers.  If  the  treatment  which  many  of  them, 
meet  with,  be  rightly  examined  and  com- 
pared with  thofe  precepts,  "  Thou  malt  not 
"  vex  him  nor  oppreis  him;  he  mail  be  as 
"  one  born  amongit  you,  and  thou  malt  love 
"  him  as  thyleif,"  Lev.  xix.  33.  D?:t.  xxvii. 
1 9.  there  will  appear  an  important  difference 
be.wixt  t. 

It  m-.i.y  be  obiecled  there  is  cod  of  pur- 
chafe,  and  rif  .us  of  their  lives  to  them  who 
poilefs  'em,  :mcl  therefore  needful  that  they 
make  the  be  it  ufe  of  their  tlm,3  :  in  a  prac- 
tice jufl  and  _\:alb:iable,  fuch  objections  may 
have  weight ;  but  if  ti'e  work  be  wrong  from 
the  beginning,  there  is  little  or  no  force  in 
them.  If  I  purchafe  a  man  who  hath  never 
forfeited  his  liberty,  the  natural  right  of 
freedom  is  in  him ;  and  ihall  I  keep  him  and 
his  pofterity  in  iervitude  and  ignorance  I 
"  How  mould  I  approve  of  this  conduct, 
were  1  in  his  circumllances,  and  he  in  mine  I" 
It  may  be  thought,  that  to  treat  them  as  we 
•would  willingly  be  treated,  our  gain  by  them 
would  be  inconfiderable  :  and  it  were,  in  di- 
vers refpedls,  better  that  there  were  none  in 
cur  country. 

We  may  further  confider,  that  they  are 
now  amongil  us,  and  thofe  of  our  nation  the 
caufe  of  their  being  here  ;  that  whatfoever 
difficulty  accrues  thereon,  we  are  juftly 
chargeable  with,  and  to  bear  all  inconvem- 
encieo  attending  it,  with  a  ferious  and  weigh- 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     265 

ty  concern  of  mind  to  do  our  duty  by  them, 
is  the  bell  we  can  do.  To  leek  a  remedy  by 
continuing  the  oppremon,  becaufe  we  have 
power  to  do  it,  and  fee  others  do  it,  will,  I 
apprehend,  not  be  doing  as  we  would  be 
done  by." 

How  deeply  foever  men  are  involved  in 
the  -nioft  exquilite  difficulties,  fmcerity  of 
heart,  and  upright  walking  before  God,  free- 
ly fubmitting  to  his  providence,  is  the  moffc 
fure  remedy :  He  only  is  able  to  relieve,  not 
only  perfbns,  but  nations,  in  their  greateft 
calamities. 

David,  in  a  great  flrait,  when  the  fenfe  of 
his  paft  error,  and  the  full  expectation  of  art 
impending  calamity,  as  the  reward  of  it, 
were  united  to  the  aggravating  his  diflrefs, 
after  fome  deliberation,  faith,  "  Let  me  fall 
"  now  into  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  for  very 
"  great  are  his  mercies  ;  let  me  not  fall  in- 
f  to  the  hand  of  man."  i  Chron.  xxi.  13. 

To  act  continually  with  integrity  of  heart, 
above  all  narrow  or  felfifli  motives,  is  a  fure 
token  of  our  being  partakers  of  that  falva- 
tion  which  "  God  hath  appointed  for  walls 
"  and  bulwarks,"  Ifa.v.  26.  Rom.  xv.  8.  and 
is,  beyond  all  contradiction,  a  more  happy 
fituation  than  can  ever  be  promifed  by  the 
utmoft  reach  of  art  and  power  united,  not 
proceeding  from  heavenly  wifdom. 

A  fupply  to  nature's  lawful  wants,  joined 
wirh  a  peaceful,  numble  mind,  is  the  trueft 
happinefs  in  this  life  ;  and  if  here  we  arrive 
to  this,  aad  remain,  to  walk  in  the  path  of 

tho- 


266  CONSIDERATIONS   ON    THE 

thejuft,  our  cafe  will  be  truly  happy  :  and 
though  herein  we  may  part  with,  or  mifs  of 
foine  glaring  (hews  of  riches,  and  leave  our 
children  little  elfe  but  wife  inftruclions,  a 
good  example,  and  the  knowledge  of  fome 
honeft  employment ;  thefe,  with  the  blefTmg 
of  Providence,  are  liidicient  for  their  happi- 
nefs,  and  are  more  likely  to  prove  fo,  than 
laying  up  treafures  for  them,  which  are  of- 
ten rather  a  {hare,  than  any  real  benefit ;  ei- 
pecialiy  to  them,  who,  inflead  of  being  ex- 
ampled  to  temperance,  are  in  all  things 
taught  to  prefer  the  getting  of  riches,  and 
to  eye  the  temporal  diftinclions  they  give,  as 
the  principal  buiinefs  of  this  life.  Thefe  rea- 
dily overlook  the  true  happinefs  of  man,  as 
it  refults  from  the  enjoyment  of  all  things  in 
the  fear  of  God,  and,  miferably  fubilituting 
an  inferior  good,  dangerous  in  the  acquir- 
ing, and  uncertain  in  the  fruition,  they  are 
fubjecl:  to  many  difappointments,  and  every 
iwet-t  carries  its  fling. 

It  is  the  conciuiioii  of  our  blefled  Lord  and 
his  apoitles,  as  appears  by  their  lives  and 
doclrmes,  that  the  higheft  delights  of  fenfe, 
or  in  id  pleaiing  objects  vilible,  ought  ever  to 
be  accounted  infinitely  inferior  to  that  real 
in .el!cct.i  il  iiappinefs  fuited  to  man  in  his 
primitive  innocence,  and  now  to  be  found  in 
mi  renovation  of  mind;  and  that  the  com- 
forts of  our  prefent  life,  the  things  mod 
grateful  to  us,  ought  always  to  be  received 
Tvith  temperance,  and  never  made  the  chief 
objects  of  our  defire,  hope,  or  love:  buc  that 

our 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     267 

our  whole  heart  and  affections  be  principally 
looking  to  that  "  city,  which  hath  founda- 
"  tions,  whofe  maker  and  builder  is  God." 
Did  we  fo  improve  the  gifts  beftowed  on  us, 
that  our  children  might  have  an  education 
fuited  to  thefe  doctrines,  and  our  example  to 
confirm  it,  we  might  rejoice  in  hopes  of  their 
being  heirs  of  an  inheritance  incorruptible. 

This  inheritance,  as  chriftians,  we  elleein 
the  niofl  valuable ;  and  how  thign  can  we  fail 
to  defire  it  for  our  children  ?  O  that  we  were 
confident  with  ourfelves,  in  purfuing  means 
necerTary  to  obtain  it ! 

*  •,  /I  It  appears,  by  experience,  that  where  chil- 
dren are  educated  in  fulnefs,  eafe  and  idle- 
ncfs,  evil  habits  are  more  prevalent,  than  in 
common  amongfl  fuch  who  are  prudently 
employed  in  the  neceffary  affairs  of  life :  and 
if  children  are  not  only  educated  in  the  way 
of  fo  great  temptation,  but  have  alfo  the  op- 
portunity of  lording  it  over  their  fellow- 
creatures,  and  being  matters  of  men  in  their 
childhood,  how  can  we  hope  otherwife  than 
that  their  tender  minds  will  be  poflefled  with 
thoughts  too  high  for  them  ?  which,  by  con- 
tinuance, gaining  flrength,  will  prove,  like 
a  flow  current,  gradually  feparating  them 
from  (or  keeping  from  acquaintance  with) 
that  humility  and  meeknefs  in  which  alone 
iaiting  happinefs  can  be  enjoyed. 

Man  is  born  to  labour,  and  experience  a- 
bundantly  fheweth,  that  it  is  for  our  good : 
but  where  the  powerful  lay  the  burthen  on 
;he  inferior,'  without  affording  a  chriflfan 


268  CONSIDERATIONS   ON    THE 

education,  and  fuitable  opportunity  of  im- 
proving the  mind,  and  a  treatment  which 
we,  in  their  cafe,  mould  approve,  that  them- 
felves  may  live  at  eafe,  and  fare  famptuouf- 
ly,  and  lay  up  riches  for  their  poilerity,  this 
feems  to  contradict  the  deiign  of  Providence, 
and,  I  doubt,  is  fometimes  the  effect  of  a 
perverted  mind :  for  while  the  life  of  one  is 
made  grievous  by  the  rigour  of  another,  it 
entails  mife^y  on  both. 

AmongP-.  the  manifold  works  of  Provi- 
dence, difplayed  in  the  different  ages  of  the 
world,  thefe  which  follow  (with  many  others) 
may  afford  inftruclion. 

Abraham  was  called  of  God  to  leave  his 
country  and  kindred,  to  fojourn  amongft 
ftrangers  :  through  famine,  and  danger  of 
death,  he  was  forced  to  flee  from  one  king- 
dom to  another :  he,  at  length,  not  only  had 
aiTurance  of  being  the  father  of  many  na- 
tions, but  became  a  mighty  prince.  Geneiis 
xxiii.  6. 

Remarkable  were  the  dealings  of  God  with 
Jacob  in*  a  low  eftate,  the  juit  fenfe  he  re- 
tained of  them  af:er  his  advancement,  ap- 
pears by  his  words  :  "  I  am  not  worthy  of 
*'  the  lead  of  all  thy  mercies."  Genefis  xxxii, 
10.  xlviii.  15. 

The  numerous  affiiclions  of  Jofeph  .are 
very  fmgular ;  the  particular  providence  of 
God  therein,  no  lefs  manifeit :  he,  at  length, 
became  governor  of  Egypt,  and  famous  foi? 
wifdom  and  virtue. 

The 


KEEPING    or    NEGROES.     269 

The  feries  of  troubles  David  paffed  thro', 
few  amongft  us  are  ignorant  of ;  and  yet  he 
afterwards  became  as  one  of  the  great  men 
of  the  earth.  • 

Some  evidences  of  the  divine  wifdom  ap- 
pears in  thofe  things,  in  that  fuch  who  arc 
intended  for  high  ftations,  have  firfl  been 
very  low  and  dejected,  that  truth  might  be 
fealed  on  their  hearts  ;  and  th^t  the  charac- 
ters there  imprinted  by  bitternls-And  adver- 
fity,  might  in  after  years  remai?oj  fuggeft- 
ing  compafTionate  ideas,  and,  in  their  pro- 
fperity,  quicken  their  regard  to  thofe  in  the 
like  condition  :  which  yet  further  appears  in 
the  cafe  of  Ifrael :  they  were  well  acquaint- 
ed with  gr!evou»  fufFerings,  a  long  and  rigo- 
rous fervitude ;  then,  thro'  many  notable  e- 
vents,  were  made  chief  amongft  the  nations : 
to  them  we  find  a  repetition  of  precepts  to 
the  purpofe  abovefaid :  though,  for  ends  a- 
grceable  to  infinite  wifdom,  they  were  chofe 
as  a  peculiar  people  for  a  time ;  yet  the  Moft 
High  acquaints  them,  that  his  love  is  not 
confined,  but  extends  to  the  ftranger ;  and, 
to  excite  their  companion,  reminds  them  of 
times  paft,  "  Ye  were  ftrangers  in  the  land 
"  of  Egypt,"  Deut.x.  19.  Again,  "  Thou 
"  fhalt  not  opprefs  a  ftranger,  for  ye  know 
ir  the  heart  of  a  ftranger,  feeing  ye  were 
"  ftrangers  in  the  land  of  Egypt,"  Exod. 
xxiii.  9. 

If  we  call  to  mind  our  beginning,  fome  o£ 
us  may  find  a  time,  wherein  our  fathers  were 

wader 


±7^    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

under  afflictions,  reproaches,  and  manifold 
fufferings. 

Refpecbing  our  progrefs  in  this  land,  the 
time  is  iliort  mice  our  beginning  was  fmall 
and  number  few,  compared  with  the  native 
inhabitants.  He  that  ilceps  not  by  day  nor 
night,  hath  watched  over  us,  and  kept  us  as 
the  apple  of  his  eye.  His  almighty  arm  hath 
been  round  dbout  us,  and  faved  us  from 
dangers.  *"  ^ 

The  wildernefs  and  folitary  defarts  in 
which  our  fathers  palled  the  days  of  their 
pilgrimage,  are  now  turned  into  pleafant 
fields;  the  natives  are  gone  from  before  us, 
and  we  eftablifhed  peaceably  in  the  pofTemon 
of  the  land,  enjoying  our  civil  and  religious 
liberties  ;  and,  while  many  parts  of  the 
world  have  groaned  under  the  heavy  calami- 
ties of  war,  our  habitation  remains  quiet, 
and  our  land  fruitful. 

When  we  trace  back  the  fteps  we  have 
trodden,  and  fee  how  the  Lord  hath  opened 
a  way  in  the  wildernefs  for  us,  to  the  wife 
it  will  ealily  appear,  that  all  this  was*  not 
done  to  be  buried  in  oblivion;  but  to  pre- 
pare a  people  for  more  fruitful  returns,  and 
the  remembrance  thereof,  ought  to  humble 
tis  in  profperity,  and  excite  in  us  a  chriftian 
benevolence  towards  our  inferiors. 

If  we  do  not  confider  thefe  things  aright, 
but,  through  a  ftupid  indolence,  conceive 
views  of  intereft,  feparate  from  the  general 
good  of  the  great  brotherhood,  and,  in  pur- 
i'uance  thereof,  treat  our  inferiors  with  ri- 
gour, 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     271 

gour,  to  increafe  our  wealth,  and  gain  riches 
l»x  our  children  ;  "  What  then  ihall  we  do 
"  when  God  rifeth  up  ?  and  when  he  vifit- 
"  eth,  what  ihall  we  anfwer  him?  did  not 
"  he  that  made  us,  make  them?  and  did  not 
"  one  fafhion  us  in  the  womb  ?"  Job  xxxi. 

13,  H. 

To  our  great  mafter  we  ftand  or  fall,  to 
judge  or  condemn  us  as  is  moil  -friitable  toh  is 
wifdom  or  authority  ;  my  incifnarion  is  to 
perfuade,  and  intreat,  and  limply  give  hints 
of  my  way  of  thinking. 

If  the  chriftian  religion  be  conndcred,  both 
refpecling  its  doclrines,  and  the  happy  in- 
fluence which  it  hath  on  the  minds  and 
manners  of  all  real  chriflians,  it  looks  rea- 
fonable  to  think,  that  the  miraculous  mani- 
festation thereof  to  the  world,  is  a  kindnefs 
beyond  expremon. 

Are  we  the  people  thus  favoured  ?  are  we 
they  whofe  minds  are  opened,  influenced, 
and  governed  by  the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  and 
thereby  made  fons  of  God  ?  is  it  not  a  fair 
conclulion,  that  we,  like  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, ought,  in  our  degree,  to  be  a6live  in 
the  fame  great  caufe,  of  the  eternal  happi- 
nefs  of,  at  leait,  our  whole  families,  and 
more,  if  thereto  capacitated  ? 

If  we,  by  the  operation  of  the  Spirit  of 
Chrift,  become  heirs  with  him  in  the  king- 
dom of  his  Father,  and  are  redeemed  from 
the  alluring  counterfeit  joys  of  this  world, 
and  the  joy  of  Chrift  remain  in  us,  to  fup- 
poie  that  one  remaining  in  this  happy  con- 
dition, 


272   CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

dition,  can,  for  the  fake  of  earthly  riches, 
not  only  deprive  his  fellow-creatures  of  t  ug 
fweetnefs  of  freedom,  (which,  rightly  u. 
is  one  of  the  greateft  temporal  bleinngs)  but: 
therewith  neglect  ufing  proper  means,  for 
their  acquaintance  with  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
and  the  advantage  of  true  religion,  feems, 
at  leaft,  a  contradiction  to  reafon. 

Whoever  rightly  advocates  the  caufe  of 
fome,  thereby  promotes  the  good  of  all.  T'ij 
flate  of  mankind  was  harmonious  in  the 
beginning,  and  though  fin  hath  introduced 
difcord,  yet,  through  the  wonderful  love  of 
God,  in  Chrift  Jems  our  Lord,  the  way  13 
open  for  our  redemption,  and  m^a^s  ap- 
pointed to  reftore  us  to  primitive  !r  ~- 
mony.  That  if  one  fairer  by  the 
fulneis  of  another,  the  mind,  the  molt 
ble  part  of  him  that:  ocr  !.  >, 

thereby  alienated  fiv  ^e  and  real  hap- 

pinefs. 

Our  duty  and  intereft  is  iafej:.-.rib];r  unit- 
ed, and  when  we  neglect  or  mifufe  our  ta- 
lents, we  neceiTarily  depart  from  the  heaven^ 
ly  fellowship,  and  are  in  the  way  to  the 
greateft  of  evils. 

Therefore  to  examine  and  prove  ourfelves, 
to  find  what  harmony  the  power  preiidmg 
in  us  bears  with  the  divine  nature,  is  a  duty 
not  more  incumbent  and  neceiiary,  than  it 
would  be  beneficial. 

In  Holy  Writ  the  Divine  Being  faith  of 
himfelf,  "  I  am  the  Lord,  which  exercifa- 
"  loving-kindnefs,  judgment  and  righteouf-; 

"  nefs 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     173' 

^  nefs  in  the  earth;  foir  in  thefe  things  I  tie- 
"  light,  faith  the  Lord,"  Jer.  ix.  24.  Again, 
fpeaking  in  the  Way  of  man,  to  fhew  his 
companion  to  Ifrael,  whofe  wickednefs  had 
occasioned  a  calamity,  and  then  being  hum- 
bled under  it,  it  is  faid,'  "  His  foul  was 
"  grieved  for  their  miferies,"  Judges  x.  16. 
If  we  confider  the  life  of  our  bleffed  Saviour 
when  on  earth,  as  it  is  recorded  by  his  fol- 
lowers, we  mail  find,  that  one  uniform  de-^ 
fire  for  the  eternal,  and  temporal  goo'd  of 
mankind,  difcovered  itfelf  in  all  his  actions. 

If  we  obferve  men,  both  a'poftles  and  o- 
thers,  in  many  different  ages,  who  have 
really  come  to  the  unity  of  the  Spirit,  and 
the  fellow  mip  of  the  faints,  there  ftill  appears 
the  like  difpofition,  and  in  them  the  defire 
of  the  real  happinefs  of  mankind,  has  out- 
balanced the  defire  of  eafe,  liberty,  and, 
many  times,  life  itfelf. 

If  upon  a  true  fearch,  we  find  that  our  na- 
tures are  fo  far  renewed,  that  to  exercife  righ- 
teoufnefs  and  loving-kindnefs  (according  to 
our  ability)  towards  all  men,  without  refpe<5l 
of  perfons,  is  eafy  to  us,  or  is  our  delight ; 
if  our  love  be  fo  orderly,  and  regular,,  that 
he  who  doeth  the  will  of  our  Father,  who  is 
in  heaven,  appears  in  our  view,  to  be  our 
neareft  relation,  our  brother,  and  fitter,  and 
mother  ;  if  this  be  our  cafe,  there  is  a  good 
foundation  to  hope,  that  the  bleffrng  of  God 
will  fweeten  our  treafures  during  our  ftay  in 
this  life,  and  our  memory  be  favory,  when 
we  are  entered  into  reft. 

T  To 


274      CONSIDERATIONS,  &c. 

To  conclude,  'Tis  a  truth  mod  certain, 
that  a  life  guided  by  wifdom  from  above, 
agreeable  with  juflice,  equity,  and  mercy, 
is  throughout  confident  and  amiable,  and 
truly  beneficial  to  fociety  ;  the  fereiiity  and 
calmnefs  of  mind  in  it,  affords  an  unparal- 
lelled  comfort  in  this  life,  and  the  end  of  it 
is  blefled. 

And,  no  lefs  true,  that  they,  who  in  the 
midfl  of  high  favours,  remain  ungrateful, 
and  under  all  the  advantages  that  a  chriilian 
can  defire,  are  ielfilh,  earthly,  and  fenfual, 
do  mifs  the  true  fountain  of  happinefs,  and 
wander  in  a  maze  of  dark  anxiety,  where  all 
their  treafures  are  infufficient  to  quiet  their 
ininds  :  hence,  from  an  infatiable  craving, 
they  ncgledl  doing  good  with  what  they  have, 
acquired,  and  too  often  add  oppreflion  to  va- 
nity, that  they  may  compafs  more. 

"  O  that  they  were  wife,  that  they  under- 
"  flood  this,  that  they  would  confider  their 
"  latter  end!"  Deut.  xxxii.  29. 


CON- 


CONSIDERATIONS 

On   the   KEEPING  of 

NEGROES. 

Recommended  to  the  Profeflbrs  of  Chrifti- 
anity  of  every  Denomination, 

PART  the  SECOND. 
Firft  printed  in  the  year   1762. 


DEUT.  i.    17. 

ICe  Jhall  not  refpefl  perfons  in  judgment ;  but 
yefhall  hear  thejmall  as  •well  as  the  great :  ye 
Jhall  not  be  afraid  of  the  face  of  man ;  for  the 
judgment  is  God's. 


PREFACE. 


our  actions  are  of  like  nature  'with  their 
root  ;  and  the  Moji  High  iveigheth  them 
more  fkilfully  than  Men  can  •weigh  them  one 
Jor  another^ 

I  belie-oe  that  one  Supreme  Being  made  and 
fupports  the  ivorld  ;  nor  can  I  •worjhip  any  other 
Deity  •without  being  an  idolater,  and  guilty  of 
wickednefs. 

.He 


276       PREFACE. 

Many  nations  have  believed  in,  and  worflnp* 
ped  a  plurality  of  deities ;  but  I  do  not  believe 
they  •were  therefore  all  wicked.  Idolatry  indeed 
is  wickednefi  ;  but  n,  is  the  thing ,  not  the  name, 
•which  is  Jo.  Real  idolatry  is  to  pay  that  ado- 
ration to  a  creature,  •which  is  known  to  be  due 
only  to  the  true  God. 

'  He  who  profejjeth  to  believe  one  Almighty 
Creator,  and  in  his  Son  Jefus  Chrift,  and  is 
yet  more  intent  on  the  honours,  profits  and  friend- 
Jhips  of  the  world,  than  he  is  in  finglenefs  of 
heart  to  ftand  faithful  to  the  chriftian  religion, 
;/  in  the  channel  of  idolatry ;  ivhile  the  Gentile, 
iv ho,  under  fome  miftaken  opinions,  is  notwith- 
flanding  ejlablifoed  in  the  true  principle  of  vir- 
tue, and  humbly  adores  an  almighty  power,  may 
be  of  that  number  •who  ftar  God,  and  •work 
righieoufnefs. 

•I  believe  the  b'ifhop  of  Rome  affumes  a  power, 
that  does  not  belong  to  any  officer  in  the  church 
of  Chrift  ;  and  if  I  fliould  knowingly  do  any 
thing,  tending  to  Jlrengthen  him  in  that  capa- 
city, it  would  be  great  iniquity.  There  are  ma- 
ny thoufands  of  people,  •who  by  their  profeffion 
acknowledge  him  to  be  the  reprefentative  of  Je- 
fus  Chrift  on  earth ;  and  to  fay  that  none  of 
them  are  upright  in  heart,  would  be  contrary  to 
my  fentiments. 

Men  who  jincerely  apply  their  minds  to  trus 
virtue,  and  fnd  an  inward  fupport  from  abovej, 
by  •which  all  vicious  inclinations  are  madefub- 
]e£i  ;  that  they  love  God  fmcerely,  and  prefer 
the  real  good  of  mankind  univerfally  to  their 

OWlk 


PREFACE.       277 

own  private  inter -eft ;  though  thefe,  through  the 
Jlrength  of  education  and  tradition,  may  remain 
under  fomefpe  dilative  and  great  errors,  it  'would 
be  uncharitable  to  fay,  that  therefore  God  rejects 
them.-r-Hc  ivho  creates,  fupports  and  gives  un- 
der/landing to  all  men,  his  knowledge  and  good- 
nefs  is  fuperior  to  the  various  cafes  and  circum- 
jlances  of  his  creatures,  "which  to  us  appear  the 
mojl  difficult. 

The  apoftles  and  primitive  chriftians  did  not 

cenfure  all  the  Gentiles  as  wicked  men,  Rom.  ii. 

14.  Col.  iii.  ii.  but  as  they  were  favoured  "with 

a  gift  to  difcern  things  more  clearly,  rejpecting 

the  worjhip  of  the  true  God,  they  with  much 

frmnefs  declared  againjl  the  worshipping  of  I- 

dols ;  and  •with  true  patience  endured  many  fuf- 

f 6  rings,  on  that  account. 

Great  numbers  of  faithful  Protejlants  have 
contended  for  the  truth,  in  oppofition  to  papal 
errors  •  and  with  true  fortitude  laid  down  their 
lives  in  the  conflict,  without  faying,  That  no 
man  was  faved  ivho  made  profejjion  of  that  re- 
ligion. 

While  we  have  no  right  to  keep  men  as  fer- 
vanlsfor  term  of  life,  but  that  of  fuperior  pow- 
er -,  to  do  this,  rwith  defign  by  their  labour  to 
profit  ourfelves  and  our  families,  I  believe  is 
wrong ;  but  I  do  not  believe  that  all  who  have 
kept  Jlaves,  have  therefore  been  chargeable  "with 
guilt.  If  their  motives  thereto  were  free  from 
felfiJJmefs,  and  their  Jlaves  content,  they  were 
a  fort  of  freemen  ;  which  I  believe  hath  fome- 
been  th/  caje. 


278          PREFACE. 

Whatever  a  man  does  in  the  fptiri  of  charity , 
to  him  it  is  not  fin :  and  isi'hiie  he  lives  and  acts 
in  this  fpirit,  he  learns  all  things  ejfcntial  to  his 
happmefs,   as  an  individual:  and  if  he  doth  not 
fee  that  any  injury  or  injuftice,  to  any  other  per-* 
fon,  is  necejfarily  promoted  by  any  part  of  his 
form    of  government,    I  believe    the   merciful 
Judge  vuill  not  lay  iniquity  to  his.  charge.     Yet 
others^  ivho  live  in  the  fame  fpirit  of  charity^ 
from  a  clear  convincement,  may  ft e  the  relation 
of  one  thing  to  another ',  and  the  neceffary  ten- 
dency of  each  ;   and  hence  it  may  be  abfolutely 
binding  on  them  to  defijl  from  fome  parts  oj  con~ 
')  'which  fome  good  men  have  been  in. 


C  O  N- 


CONSIDERATIONS 

On  the  KEEPING  of 

NEGROES. 

PART  the  SECOND, 


AS  fome  in  mod  religious  focleties  a- 
mongft  the  Engliih  are  concerned  in 
importing  or  purchafing  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Africa  as  flaves ;  and  as  the  profe£- 
fors  of  chriftianity  of  feveral  other  nations 
do  the  like ;  thefe  circumftances  tend  to  make 
people  lefs  apt  to  examine  the  practice  fo 
clofely  as  they  would,  if  fuch  a  thing  had 
not  been,  but  was  now  propofed  to  be  en- 
tered upon.  It  is  however  our  duty,  and 
what  concerns  us  individually,  as  creatures 
accountable  to  our  Creator,  to  employ  right- 
ly the  underftanding  which  he  hath  given 
us,  in  humbly  endeavouring  to  be  acquaint- 
ed with  his  will  concerning  us,  and  with  the 
nature  and  tendency  of  thofe  things  which 
we  practife:  for  as  jufbice  remains  to  be  juf- 
tice,  fo  many  people,  of  reputation  in  the 

world 


CONSIDERATIONS   ON    THE 

world,  joining  with  wrong  things,  do  not 
excufe  others  in  joining  with  them,  nor  make 
the  confequence  of  their  proceedings  lefs 
dreadful  in  the  final  iiTue,  than  it  would  be 
otherwife. 

Where  unrighteoufnefs  is  juftified  frorn 
one  age  to  another,  it  is  like  dark  matter 
gathering  into  clouds  over  us.  We  may 
know  that  this  gloom  will  remain  till  the 
caufe  be  removed  by  a  reformation,  or 
change  of  times  j  and  may  feel  a  defire,  from 
a  love  of  equity,  to  fpeak  on  the  occafion; 
yet  \yhere  error  is  fo  ftrong,  that  it  may  not 
be  fpoken  againft,  without  fome  profpecl:  of 
inconvenience  to  the  fpeaker,  this  difficulty 
is  likely  to  operate  on  our  weaknefs,  and 
quench  the  good  defires  in  us  ;  except  we 
dwell  fo  fteadily  under  the  weight  of  it,  as  to 
be  made  willing  to  "  endure  hardnefs"  on 
that  account. 

Where  men  exert  their  talents  againft 
vices  generally  accounted  fuch,  the  ill  effects 
whereof  are  prefently  perceived  in  a  govern- 
ment, all  men  who  regard  their  own  tempo- 
ral good,  are  likely  to  approve  the  work. 
But  when  that  which  is  inconfiflent  with 
perfect  equity,  hath  the  law,  or  countenance 
of  the  great  in  its  favour,  though  the  ten- 
dency thereof  be  quite  contrary  to  the  true 
.happinefs  of  mankind  in  an  equal,  if  not 
greater,  degree,  than  many  things  account- 
ed reproachful  to  chriftians  ;  yet,  as  thefe  ill 
effects  are  not  generally  perceived,  they  who 
labour  to  diffuade  from  fuch  things,  which 

people 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES. 

people  believe  accord  with  their  intereft,  have 
jnanv  difficulties  to  encounter.. 

The  repeated  charges,  which  God  gave  to 
his  prophets,  imply  the  danger  they  were  in 
of  erring  on  this  Hand.  "  Be  not  afraid  of 
V  their  faces  ;  for  I  am  with  thee,  to  deliver 
-"  thee,  faith  the  Lord."  Jer.  i.  8.  "  Speak 
<c  all  the  words  that  I  command  thee  to 
<c  fpeak  to  them ;  diminim  not  a  word."  Jer. 
xxvi.  2.  "  And  thou,  fon  of  man,  be  not 
"  afraid  of  them,  nor  difmayed  at  their 
"  looks.  Speak  my  words  to  them,  whether 
<c  they  will  hear  or  forbear."  JEzek.  ii.  6,  7. 

Under  an  apprehenfion  of  duty,  I  offer 
fome  further  confiderations  on  this  fubjecl:, 
having  endeavoured  fome  years  to  confider  it 
candidly.  I  have  obferved  people  of  our 
own  colour,  whofe  abilities  have  been  infe- 
rior to  the  affairs  which  relate  to  their  con- 
venient fubfiftence,  who  have  been  taken 
care  of  by  others,  and  the  profit  of  fuch 
work  as  they  could  do,  applied  toward  their 
fupport. — I  believe  there  are  fuch  -amongft 
negroes  ;  and  that  fome  people,  in  whofe 
hands  they  are,  keep  them  with  no  view  of 
outward  profit,  do  not  coniider  them  as  black 
men,  who,  as  fuch,  ought  to  ferve  white 
men  ;  but  account  them  perfons  who  have 
peed  of  guardians,  and  as  fuch  take  care  of 
them  :  yet  where  equal  care  is  taken  in  all 
parts  of  education,  I  do  not  apprehend  cafes 
of  this  fort  are  likely  to  occur  more  frequent- 
ly amongft  one  fort  of  people  than  another. 

It 


£82     CONSIDERATIONS   ON   THE 

.  It  looks  to  me  that  the,,  flave  trade  was 
founded,  and  hath  generally  been  carried  on, 
in  a  wrong  fpirit ;  that  the  effects  of  it  are 
detrimental  to  the  real  prosperity  of  our 
country  ;  and  will  be  more  fo,  except  we 
ceafe  from  the  common  motives  of  keeping 
them,  and  treat  them  in  future  agreeable  to 
truth  and  pure  juftice, 

Negroes  may  be  imported,  who,  for  their 
cruelty  to  their  countrymen,  and  the  evil 
diipofition.  of  their  minds,  may  be  unfit  to 
be  at  liberty  ;  and  if  we,  as  lovers  of  righte- 
oufnefs,  undertake  the  management  of  them, 
•we  mould  have  a  full  and  clear  knowledge  of 
their  crimes,  and  of  thofe  circumllances  which 
might  operate  in  their  favour ;  but  the  diffi^ 
culty  of  obtaining  this  is  fo  great,  that  we 
have  great  reafon  to  be  cautious  therein. 
But,  mould  it  plainly  appear  that  abfolute 
fubjection  was  a  condition  the  moil  proper 
for  the  perfon  who  is  purchafed,  yet  the  in^ 
•nocent  children  ought  not  to  be  made  ilaves, 
•becaufc  their  parents  finned. 

V/j  have  account  in  holy  fcripture  of  fome 
families  fuftering,  where  mention  is  only  made 
<>f  the  heads  of  the  family  committing  wick- 
.^chiefs  ;  and  it  is  likely  that  the  degenerate 
Jews,  mifunderftanding  fome  occurrences  of 
this  kind,  took  occafion  to  charge  God  with 
being  unequal  ;  fo  that  a  faying  became  com- 
mon, "  The  Fathers  have  eaten  four  grapes, 
.*'  and  the  children's  teeth  are  fet  on  edge." 
Jeremiah  and  Ezekiel,  t\vo  of  the  infpired 
prophets,  who  lived  near  the  fame  time,  were 

concerned 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.      .283 

concerned  to  corredi  this  error.  Ezekiel  is 
large  on  the  fubjecl.  Firft,  he  reproves  them 
for  their  error.  "  What  mean  ye,  that  ye 
*'  do  fo,"  chap,  xviii.  verfe  2.  "  As  I  live, 
*'  faith  the  Lord  God,  ye  (Hall  not  have  oc- 
*'  cafion.  any  more  to  ufe  this  proverb  in  I£- 
"  rael."  The  words,  "  any  more,"  have 
reference  to  time  pad ;  intimating,  that  tho' 
they  had  not  rightly  underftood  fome  things 
they  had  heard  or  feen,  and  thence  fuppofed 
the  proverb  to  be  well  grounded ;  yet  hence- 
forth they  might  know  of  a  certainty,  that 
the  ways  of  God  are  all  equal ;  that  as  fure 
as  the  Moft  High  liveth,  fo  fure  men  are  on- 
ly anfwerable  for  their  own  fins. — He  thus 
fums  up  the  matter,  ver.  20.  "  The  foul  that 
"  finneth,  it  mall  die.  The  fon  mall  not  bear 
"  the  iniquity  of  the  father  ;  neither  fhall  the 
**  father  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  fon.  The 
**  righteoufnefs  of  the  righteous  fhall  be  up- 
*'  on  him  ;  and  the  wickediiefs  of  the  wicked 
f<  fhall  be  upon  him. 

Where  men  are  wicked,  they  commonly  are 
a  means  of  corrupting  the  fucceeding  age  ; 
and  thereby  haflen  thofe  outward  calamities, 
which  fall  on  nations,  when  their  iniquities 
are  full. 

Men  may  purfue  means  which  are  not  a- 
greeable  to  perfect  purity,  with  a  view  to  in- 
creafe  the  wealth  and  happinefs  of  their  ofF- 
fpring,  and  thereby  make  the  way  of  virtue 
more  difficult  to  them.  And  though  the  ill 
example  of  a  parent,  or  a  multitude,  does  not 
excufe  a  man  in  doing  evil,  yet  the  mind  be- 
ing 


284    CONSIDERATIONS   ON  THE 

ing  early  imprefTed  with  vicious  notions  and 
practices,  and  nurtured  up  in  ways  of  get- 
ting treafure,  which  are  not  the  ways  of 
truth ;  this  wrong  fpirit  getting  firft  pofTefli- 
on,  and  being  thus  ftrengthened,  frequently 
prevents  due  attention  to  the  true  fpirit  of 
wifdom,fo  that  they  exceed  in  wickednefs  thofe 
who  lived  before  them.  And  in  this  channel, 
though  parents  labour,  as  they  think,  to  for- 
ward the  happinefs  of  their  children,  it  proves 
a  means  of  forwarding  their  calamity.  This 
being  the  cafe  in  the  age  next  before  the 
grievous  calamity  in  thefiege  of  Jerufalem,and 
carrying  Judah  captive  to  Babylon,  they  might 
fay  with  propriety,  This  came  upon  us,  be- 
caufe  our  fathers  forfook  God,  and  becaufe  we 
did  worfe  than  our  fathers.  See  Jer.  vii.  26. 

As  the  generation  next  before  them  inward- 
ly turned  away  from  God,  who  yet  waited  to 
be  gracious  ;  and  as  they  in  that  age  conti- 
nued in  thole  things  which  neceflarily  fepa- 
rated  from  perfect  goodnefs,  growing  more 
ftubborn,  till  the  judgments  of  God  were 
poured  out  upon  them  ;  they  might  properly 
fay,  "  Our  fathers  have  finned,  and  we  have 
"  borne  their  iniquities  :"  Lam.  v.  7.  And  yet, 
wicked  as  their  fathers  were,  had  they  not 
fucceeded  them  in  their  wickednefs,  they  had 
not  borne  their  iniquities. 

To  fuppofe  it  right,  that  an  innocent  man 
fhall  at  this  day  be  excluded  from  the  com- 
mon rules  of  juftice  ;  be  deprived  of  that  li- 
berty, which  is  the  natural  right  of  human 
creatures;  and  be  a  flare  to  others  during 

life. 


REEFING    OF    NEGROES.     2?j 

life,  on  account  of  a  fin  committed  by  his 
immediate  parents  ;  or  a  fin  committed  by 
Ham,  the  fon  of  Noah  ;  is  a  fuppoiition.  too 
grofs  to  be  admitted  into  the  mind  of  any 
perfon,  who  fincerely  defires  to  be  governed 
by  folid  principles. 

It  is  alledged,  in  favour  of  the  practice, 
that  Jofhua  made  flaves  of  the  Gibeonites. 

What  men  do  by  the  command  of  God, 
and  what  comes  to  pafs  as  a  confequence  of 
their  neglect,  are  different ;  fuch  as  the  latter 
cafe  now  mentioned  was. 

It  was  the  expreis  command  of  the  Almigh- 
ty to  Ifrael,  concerning  the  inhabitants  of 
the  promifed  land,  "  Thou  malt  make  no 
"  covenant  with  them,  nor  with  their  Gods : 
"  They  mall  not  dwell  in  thy  land,"  Exod, 
xxiii.  32.  Thofe  Gibeonites  came  craftily, 
telling  Joihua,  that  they  were  come  from  a 
far  country  ;  that  their  elders  had  fent  them 
to  make  a  league  with  the  people  of  Ifrael ; 
and  as  an  evidence  of  their  being  foreigners, 
{hewed  their  old  cloaths,  &c,  "  And  the 
*'  men  took  of  their  victuals,  and  afked  not 
"  counfel  at  the  mouth  of  the  Lord;  and 
"  Joihua  made  peace  with  them,  and  made 
"  a  league  with  them,  to  let  them  live  ;  and 
*  *  the  princes  fware  to  them/* Jofh.  xcvi.  1 4, 1 5. 

When  the  impofition  was  clifcovered,  the 
congregation  murmured  agzdnll  the  princes : 
"  But  all  the  princes  faid  to  all  the  congrega- 
"•  tion,  we  have  fworn  to  them  by  the  Lord 
"  God  of  Ifrael ;  now  therefore  we  may  not 
**  touch  them ;  we  will  even  let  them  live, 

"  left 


286    CONSIDERATIONS  ON   THE 

"  left  wrath  be  upon  us  ;  but  let  them  be 
c  hewers  of  wood,  and  drawers  of  water  un- 
"  to  the  congregation. 

Omitting  to  alk  counfel,  involved  them  in 
great  difficulty.  The  Gibeonites  were  of  thofc 
cities,  of  which  the  Lord  faid,  "  Thou  malt 
"  fave  alive  nothing  that  breatheth  ;"  and  of 
the  flock  of  the  Hivites,  concerning  whom 
he  commanded  by  name,  "  Thou  malt  fmitc 
*'  them,  and  utterly  deftroy  them :  Thou 
"  malt  make  no  covenant  with  them,  nor 
*'  mew  mercy  unto  them,'*  Deut.  vii.  i.  Thus 

{ofhua  and  the  princes,  not  knowing  them, 
ad  made  a  league  with  them,  to  let  them 
live ;  and  in  this  ilrait  they  refolve  to  make 
them  fervants.  Joihua  and  the  princes  fuf- 
pected  them  to  be  deceivers  :  "  Peradventure 
*'  you  dwell  amongfl  us  :  and  how  mall  we 
*'  make  a  league  with  you  ?"  Which  words 
£hew,  that  they  remembered  the  command 
before  mentioned  ;  anjl  yet  did  not  enquire 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Lord,  as  Moles  directed 
Joihua,  when  he  gave  him  a  charge  refpecl- 
ing  his  duty  as  chief  man  among  that  people, 
Numb,  xxvii.  21.  By  this  omiiTion  things 
became  fo  fituated,  that  Joihua  and  the 
princes  could  not  execute  the  judgments  of 
God  on  them,  without"  violating  the  oath 
which  they  had  made. 

Mofes  did  amifs  at  the  waters  of  Meribah  ; 
and  doubtlefs  he  foon  repented ;  for  the  Lord 
was  with  him.  And  it  is  likely  that  Jofhua 
was  deeply  humbled,  under  a  fenfe  of  his 
omiflion ;  for  it  appears  that  God  continued 

him 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     287 

him  in  his  office,  and  fpared  the  lives  of 
thofe  people,  for  the  .-fake  of  the  league  andr 
oath  made  in  his  name. 

The  wickednefs  of  thefe  people  was  great, 
and  they  worthy  to  die,  or  perfect  juftice  had 
not  paffed  fentence  of  death  upon  them  ;  and 
as  their  execution  was  prevented  by  this  league 
and  oath,  they  appear  content  to  be  fervants : 
"  As  it  feemeth  good  and  right  unto  thee  to* 
"  do  unto  us,  do. 

Thefe  criminals,  inftead  of  death,  had  the 
fentence  of  fervitude  pronounced  on  them,  in 
thefe  words,  "  Now  therefore  ye  are  curled; 
"  and  there  iliall  none  of  you  be  freed  from, 
"  being  bondmen,  and  hewers  of  wood, 
"  and  drawers  of  water  for  the  houfe  of  my 
"  God." 

We  find,  Deut.  xx.  10.  that  there  ,were 
cities  far  diflant  from  Canaan,  againft  which 
Ifrael  went  to  battle;  unto  whom  they  were 
to  proclaim  peace,  and  if  the  inhabitants 
made  anfwer  of  peace,  and  opened  their 
gates,  they  were  not  to  deflroy  them,  but 
make  them  tributaries. 

The  children  of  Ifrael  were  then  the  Lord's 
hoft,  and  executioners  of  his  judgments  on 
people  hardened  in  wickednefs. — They  wer'e 
not  to  go  to  battle,  but  by  his  appoint] 
The  men  who  were  chief  hi  his  army,  had 
their  inftrucTiions  from  the  Almighty  ••  fbme- 
times  immediately,  and  fbinetimes  by  the 
miniitry  of  angels.  Of  thefe,  amongft  others, 
\vereMofes,  Jomtia,  Othnid,  and  Gideon; 
fee  Exod.  iii,  2.  and  xviii,  19.  Joih:  v.  13;' 

Thele 


CONSIDERATIONS   ON 

Thefe  people  far  off  from  Canaan,  againft 
whom  Ifrael  was  fent  to  battle^  were  Ib  cor- 
rupt, that  the  creator  of  the  univerfe  faw  it 
good  to  change  their  fituation ;  and  in  cafe 
of  their  opening  their  gates,  and  coming  un- 
der tribute,  this  their  fubjecftion,  though  pro- 
bably more  mild  than  abfolute  flavery,  was 
to  laft  little  or  no  longer  than  while  Ifrael  re- 
mained in  the  true  fpirit  of  government. 

It  was  pronounced  by  Mofes  the  prophet,- 
as  a  cortfequence  of  their  wickednefs,  "  The 
"  ftranger  that  is  within  thee  mail  get  above* 
"  thee  very  high ;  and  thou  flialt  come  down 
"  very  low  :  he  mall  be  the  head,  and  thou 
"  the  tail."  Deut.  xxviii.  43,  44. 

This  we  find  in  fome  meafure  verified  in 
their  being  made  tributaries  to  the  Moabites, 
Midianites^  Amorites  and  Philiftines. 

It  is  alledged  in  favour  of  the  practice  of 
ilave-keeping,  that  the  Jews  by  their  law 
made  flaves  of  the  Heathen,  Levit.  xxv.  45. 
*'  Moreover,  of  the  children  of  the  ftranger s 
"  that  do  fojourn  amongft  you,  of  them  lhall 
"  ye  buy,  and  of  their  children,  which  are 
"  with  you,  which  they  begat  in  your  land ; 
"  and  they  {hall  be  your  pofleffion ;  and  you 
c<  iliall  take  them  as  an  inheritance  for  your 
"  children  after  you,  to  inherit  them  as  a 
"  pofTeilion,  they  mail  be  your  bondmen  for 

<c  ever." It  is  difficult  for  us  to  have  any 

certain  knowledge  of  the  mind  of  Mofes,  in 
regard  to  keeping  flaves,  any  other  way  than 
by  looking  upon  him  as  a  true  fervant  of  God, 
whofe  mind  and  conduct  were  regulated  by 

an 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES. 

&n  inward  principle  of  juflice  and  equity.  To 
admit  a  fuppofition  that  he  in  that  cafe  was 
drawn  from  perfect  equity  by  the  alliance  of 
outward  kindred,  would  be  to  difown  his  au- 
thority. 

Abraham  had  fervants  born  in  his  houfe, 
and  bought  with  his  money  :  "  And  the  Al- 
"  mighty  faid  of  Abraham,  I  know  him, 
"  that  he  will  order  his  houfe  after  him." 
Which  implies,  that  he  was  as  a  father,  an 
inftructor,  and  a  good  governor  over  his  peo- 
ple.  And  Mofes,  coafidered  as  a  man  of 

God,  muft  neceHarily  have  had  a  profpecl  of 
fome  real  advantage  in  the  Grangers  and  hea- 
thens being  fervants  to  the  Ifraelites  for  a 
time. 

As  mankind  had  received  and  eflablifned 
many  erroneous  opinions  and  hurtful  cuf- 
toms,  their  living  and  converfing  with  the 
Jews,  while  the  Jews  flood  faithful  to  their 
principles,  might  be  helpful  to  remove  thofe 

errors,    and  reform  their  manners. But 

for  men,  with  private  views,  to  ailume  an 
a-bfolute  power  over  the  perfoiis  and  proper- 
ties of  others  ;  and  continue  it  from  age  to 
age  in  the  line  of  natural  generation,  with- 
out regard  to  the  virtues  and  vices  of  their 
lucceilors,  as  it  is  manifeftly  contrary  to  true 
tmiverfal  love,  and  attended  with  great  evils, 
there  requires  the  clearefl  evidence  to  beget:  a 
belief  in  us,  that  Mofes  intended  that  the 
ftrangers  mould  as  fuch  be  Haves  to  the  jews. 

He  directed  them  to  buy  ftrangers  and  fo- 

journers. — It  appears  that  there  were  flrang- 

U  ers 


290    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

ers  in  Ifrael  who  were  free  men ;  and  confi- 
dering  with  what  tendernefs  and  humanity 
the  Jews,  by  thdr  law,  were  obliged  to  uie 
their  fervants,  and  what  care  was  to  be  taken 
to  iriftrucl  them  in  the  true  religion,  it  is  not 
unlikely  that  fome  flraiogers  in  poverty  and 
<liflrefs  were  willing  to  enter  into  bonds  to 
ferve  the  Jews  as  long  as  they  lived  ;  and  in 
ilich  cafe  the  Jews,  by  their  law,  had  a  right 
to  their  fervice  during  life. 

When  the  awl  was  bored  through  the  ear 
of  the  Hebrew  fervant,  ihe  text  faith,  "  He 
*'  mall  ferve  for  ever;"  yet  we  do  not  fup- 
pofe  that  by  the  word  "  for  ever,"  it  was  in- 
tended that  none  of  his  pofterity  mould  af- 
terwards be -free  ;  when  it  is  faid  in  regard  to 
the  ftrangers  which  they  bought,  "  They 
*'  mall  be  your  pofTefnon,"  it  may  be  well 
underflood  to  mean  only  the  perfons  fo  pur- 
chafed  ;  all  preceding  relates  to  buying  them ; 
and  what  follows,  to  the  continuance  of  their 
fervice,  "  You  fhall  take  them  as  an  inhe- 
*'  ritance  to  your  children  after  you  ;  they 
<l  fhall  be  your  bondmen  for  ever."  It  may 
"be  well  unclerltoocl  to  ftand  limited  to  thofe 
they  purchaied. 

Moles,  directing  Aaron  and  his  fons  to 
warn  their  hands  and  feet,  when  they  went 
into  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation,  faith, 
"  It  fnall  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  to  them,  even 
4<  to  him  and  his  feed  throughout  all  gene- 
"  rations."  And  to  exprefs  the  continuance 
of  the  law,  it  was  his  common  language, 
"  It  fhall  be  a  ftatute  for  ever  throughout 

"  your 


KEEPING    OP    NEGROES.     291 

t£  your  generations."  So  that  had  he  intend- 
ed the  pofterity  of  the  flrangers  fo  purchafed 
to  continue  in  flavery  to  the  Jews,  it  looks 
likely  that  he  would  have  ufed  fome  terms 
clearly  to  exprefs  it.  The  Jews  undoubtedly 
had  flaves,  whom  they  kept  as  fuch  from  one 
age  to  another  ;  but  that  this  was  agreeable 
to  the  geil nine  deiign  of  their  infpired  law- 
giver, is  far  from  being  a  clear  cafe. 

Making  conflruclioiis  of  the  law  contrary 
to  the  true  meaning  of  it,  was  common  a- 

mongft  that  people. Samuel's  fons  took 

bribes,  and  perverted  judgment. -Ifaiah 

complained  that  they  juftified  the  wicked  for 

reward. Zephaniah,  cotemporary  with 

Jeremiah,  on  account  of  the  iiijuftice  of  the 
Civil  magiftrates,  declared  that  thofe  judges 
were  evening  wolves  ;  and  that  the  priefts 
did  violence  to  the  law. 

Jeremiah  acquaints  us,  that  the  priefts 
cried  peace,  peace,  when  there  was  no  peace  ; 
by  which  means  the  people  grew  bold  in 
their  wickedncfs  ;  and  having  committed  a- 
bominations,  were  not  amamed  ;  but,  thro* 
wrong  conftru(5lions  of  the  law,  they  juftifi- 
cd  themlelves,  and  boaflingly  faid  "  We  are 
"  wife  ;  and  the  law  of  the  Lord  is  with  us." 
Thefe  corruptions  continued  till  the  days  of 
our  Saviour,  who  told  the  Pharifees,  "  You 
"  have  made  the  commandment  of  God  of 
*'  none  effect  through  your  tradition." 

Thus   it  appears   that  they  corrupted  the 

law  of  Mofes  ;  nor  is  it  unlikely  that  among 

many  others  this  was  one  j  for  oppreiling  the 

U  2  flrangers 


292    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

ftrangers  was  a  heavy  charge  againft  the 
Jews,  and  very  often  ftrongly  reprefented  by 
the  Lord's  faithful  prophets. 

That  the  liberty  of  man  was,  by  the  in- 
fpired  law-giver,  efteemed  precious,  appears 
in  this  ;  that  fuch  who  unjuflly  deprived 
men  of  it,  were  to  be  punifhed  in  like  man- 
ner as  if  they  had  murdered  them,  "  He 
"  that  ftealeth  a  man,  and  felleth  him  ;  or  if 
"  he  be  found  in  his  hand,  mall  furely  be 
"  put  to  death."  This  part  of  the  law  was 
fo  confiderable,  that  Paul,  the  learned  Jew, 
giving  a  brief  account  of  the  ufes  of  the  law, 
adds  this,  "  It  was  made  for  men-dealers,'' 
i  Tim.  i.  10. 

The  great  men  amongft  that  people  were 
exceeding  oppremve;  and,  it  is  likely,  ex- 
erted their  whole  ftrength  and  influence  to 
have  the  law  conflrued  to  fu it  their  turns. — 
The  honeft  fervants  of  the  lord  had  heavy 
work  with  them  in  regard  to  their  opprem- 
011  ;  a  few  inflances  follow.  "  Thus  faith 
"  the  Lord  of  hofts,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  a- 
c  mend  your  ways,  and  your  doings  ;  and  I 
"  will  caufe  you  to  dwell  in  this  place.  If 
"  you  throughly  execute  judgment  between 
"  a  man  and  his  neighbour  ;  if  you  opprefs 
"  not  the  ftranger,  the  fatherlefs  and  the  wi- 
c  dow ;  and  fned  not  innocent  blood  in  this 
"  place  ;  neither  walk  after  other  gods  to 
1  your  hurt,  then  will  I  caufe  you  to  dwell 

"  in  this  place,"  Jer.  vii. Again  a  rpef- 

fage  was  fent  not  only  to  the  inferiog^mfe- 
fters  of  juflice,  but  alfo  to  the  chief  ruler. 

"  Thus 


KEEPING     OP    NEGROES.     293 

c<  Thus. faith  the  Lord,  go  down  to  the  houfe 
"  of  the  king  of  Judah,  and  fpeak  there  this 
"  word ;  execute  ye  judgment  and  righteouf- 
"  nefs,  and  deliver  the  fpoiled  out  of  the 
"  hand  of  the  opprefTor  ;  and  do  no  wrong; 
*'  do  no  violence  to  the  ftranger,  the  father- 
"  lefs  and  the  widow  ;  neither  fhed  innocent 
"  blood  in  this  place."  Then  adds,  "  That 
"  in  fo  doing  they  fhould  profper  ;  but  if  ye 
*c  will  not  hear  thefe  words,  I  fwear  by  my- 
"  felf,  faith  the  Lord,  that  this  houfe  fliall 
"  become  a  defolation,"  Jer.  xxii.  , 

The  king,  the  princes  and  rulers  were  a- 
greed  in  oppreffion  before  the  Babylonilh 
captivity  ;  for  whatever  courts  of  juflice  were 
retained  amongft  them  ;  or  however  they  de- 
cided matters  betwixt  men  of  eftates,  it  is 
plain  that  the  caufe  of  the  poor  was  not  judg- 
ed in  equity. 

It  appears  that  the  great  men  amongft  the 
Jews  were  fully  refolved  to  have  flaves,  even 
of  their  own  brethren,  Jer.  xxxiv.  Notwith- 
flanding  the  promifes  and  threatenings  of  the 
Lord,  by  the  prophet,  and  their  folemn  co- 
venant to  let  them  free,  confirmed  by  the 
imprecation  of  pamng  between  the  parts  of  a 
calf  cut  in  twain  ;  intimating,  by  that  cere- 
mony, that  on  breach  of  the  covenant,  it 
were  juft  for  their  bodies  to  be  fo  cut  in 
pieces. — Yet  after  all,'  they  held  faft  to  their 
old  cuftom,  and  called  home  the  fervants 
whom  they  had  fet  free. — "  And  ye  were 
'  now  turned,  and  had  done  right  in  my 
*'  light,  in  proclaiming  liberty  every  man  ta 

"  his 


294    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

"  his  neighbour  ;  and  ye  had  made  a  cover 
4  nant  before  me,  in  the  houfe  which  is  call- 
*  ed  by  my  name ;  but  ye  turned,  and  pol- 
"  luted  my  name,  and  caufed  every  man  his 
<c  fcrvant,  whom  he  had  fet  at  liberty  at  their 
"  pleafure,  to  return,  and  brought  them  in- 
"  to  fubjecftion,  to  be  unto  you  tor  fervants, 
"  and  for  handmaids :  therefore  thus  faith 
"  the  Lord,  ye  have  not  hearkened  unto  me, 
"  in  proclaiming  liberty  every  one  to  his 
"  neighbour,  and  every  one  to  his  brother. 
*c  Behold,  I  proclaim  liberty  to  you,  faitH 
"  the  Lord,  to  the  fword,  to  the  peflilence, 
"  and  to  the  famine ;  and  I  will  make  you 
"  to  be  removed  into  all  the  kingdoms  of  the 
"  earth. — The  men  who  tranfgrefTed  my  co- 
"  venant  which  they  made,  and  palled  be- 
"  tween  the  parts  of  the  calf,  I  will  give  in- 
"  to  trie  hands  of  their  enemies,  and  their 
"  dead  bodies  mall  be  for  meat  unto  the 
"  fowls  of  the  heaven,  and  the  beads  of  the. 
"  earth." 

Soon  after  this  their  city  was  taken  and 
burnt  ;  the  king's  fons  and  the  princes  flain  ; 
and  the  king,  with  the  chief  men  of  his  king- 
dom, carried  captive  to  Babylon. — -Ezekiel, 
prophefying  the  return  of  that  people  to  their 
Own  land,  directs,  "  Ye  mall  divide  the 
'  land  by  lot,  for  an  inheritance  unto  you, 
"  and  to  the  ftrangers  that  fojourn  amongft 
'  you  ;  in  what  tribe  the  ftranger  ibjourns, 
"  there  mall  ye  give  him  his  inheritance, 
"  faith  the  Lord  God."  Nor  is  this  particu- 
lar direction,  and  the  authority  with  which 

it 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     295 

it  is  enforced,  without  a  tacit  implication, 
that  their  anceftors  had  erred  in  their  conduct 
towards  the  ftranger. 

Some  who  keep  flaves,  have  doubted  as  to 
the  equity  of  the  practice  ;  but  as  they  knew 
men,  noted  for  their  piety,  who  were  in  it, 
this,  they  fay,  has  made  their  minds  eafy. 

To  lean  on  the  example  of  men  in  doubt- 
ful cafes,  is  difficult :  for  only  admit,  that 
thofe  men  were  not  faithfal  and  upright  to 
the  higheft  degree,  but  that  in  fome  particu- 
lar cafe  they  erred,  and  it  may  follow  that 
this  one  cafe  was  the  fame,  about  which  we 
are  in  doubt;  and  to  quiet  our  minds  by 
their  example,  may  be  dangerous  to  our^ 
felves  ;  and  continuing  in  it,  prove  a  {tum- 
bling block  to  tender-minded  people  who 
fucceed  us,  in  like  manner  as  their  examples 
are  to  us. 

But  fuppoiing  charity  was  their  only  mo- 
tive, and  they  hot  forefeeing  the  tendency  of 
paying  robbers  for  their  booty,  were  not  juit- 
ly  under  the  imputation  of  being  partners 
with  a  thief,  Prov.  xxix,  24.  but  were  really 
innocent  in  what  they  'did,  are  we  affured 
that  we  keep  them  with  the  fame  views  they 
kept  them  ?  If  we  keep  them  from  no  other 
motive  than  a  real  fenfe  of  duty,  and  true 
charity  governs  us  in  all  our  proceedings  to- 
ward them,  we  are  fo  far  fafe  :  but  if  another 
fpirit,  which  inclines  our  minds  to  the  ways 
of  this  world,  prevail  upon  us,  and  we  are 
concerned  for  our  own  outward  gain  more 
than  for  their  real  happinefs,  it  will  avail  us 

nothing 


296  CONSIDERATIONS   ON    THE 

nothing  that  fome  good  men  have  had  the 
care  and  management  of  Negroes. 

Since  mankind  fpread  upon  the  earth,  ma- 
ny have  been  the  revolutions  attending  the 
feveral  families,  and  their  cufloms  and  wars 
of  life  diiFerent  from  each  other.  This  di- 
verfity  of  manners,  though  fbme  are  prefer- 
able to  others,  operates  not  in  favour  of  any, 
fo  far  as  to  juftify  them  to  do  violence  to  in- 
nocent men  ;  to  bring  them  from  their  own 
to  another  way  of  life.  The  mind,  when 
moved  by  a  principle  of  true  love,  may  feel 
a  warmth  of  gratitude  to  the  univerfal  father,. 
and  a  lively  iympathy  with  thoie  nations, 
where  divine  Light  has  been  lefs  manifeft. 

This  clefire  for  their  real  good  may  beget  a 
willingnefs  to  undergo  hardships  for  their 
fakes,  that  the  true  knowledge  of  God  may 
be  fpread  amongil  them  :  but  to  take  them 
from  their  own  land,  with  vLws  of  profit  to 
ourfelves,  by  means  inconfiftent  with  pure 
juftite,  is  foreign  to  that  principle  which 
^eeks  the  happinefs  of  the  whole  creation. 
Forced  fubjection,  of  innocent  perfbns  of  full 
*ge,  is  inconfiftent  with  right  reafon  ;  on  one 
iicle,  the  human  mind  is  not  naturally  forti- 
fied with  that  firmnefs  in  wifdom  and  good- 
nefs,  neceilary  to  an  independant  ruler ;  on 
the  other  fide,  to  be  fubjecl  to  the  uncon- 
troulable  will  of  a  man,  liable  to  err,  is  mod 
painful  and  amicling  to  a  coiifcientious  crea- 
ture. 

It  is  our  happinefs  faithfully  to  ferve  the 
Divine  Being,  who  made  us  :  his  perfection 

makes 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     297 

makes  our  fervice  reafonable  ;  but  fo  long  as 
men  are  biaiTed  by  narrow  felf-love,  fo  long 
an  abfolute  power  over  other  men  is  unfit  for 
them. 

ijvlen,  taking  on  them  the  government  of 
others,  may  intend  to  govern  reafonably,  and 
make  their  fubjects  more  happy  than  they 
would  be  otherwife  ;  but,  as  abfolute  com- 
mand belongs  only  to  him  who  is  perfect, 
where  frail  men,  in  their  own  wills,  ailume 
fuch  command,  it  hath  a  direct  tendency  to 
vitiate  their  minds,  and  make  them  more 
unfit  for  government. 

Placing  on  men  the  ignominious  title 
SLAVE,  duelling  them  in  uncomely  gar- 
ments, keeping  them  to  fervile  labour,  in 
which  they  are  often  dirty, '  tends  gradually 
to  fix  a  notion  in  the  mind,  that  they  are  a 
fort  of  people  below  us  in  nature,  and  leads 
us  to  coiifider  them  as  fuch  in  all  our  con- 
clufions  about  them.  And,  moreover,  a 
perfon  which  in  our  efleem  is  mean  and  con- 
temptible, if  their  language  or  behaviour 
toward  us  is  unfeemly  or  difrefpeclful,  it  ex- 
cites wrath  more  powerfully  than  the  like 
conducl  in  one  we  accounted  our  equal  or 
fuperior ;  and  where  this  happens  to  be  the 
caie,  it  difqualifies  for  candid  judgment;  for 
it  is  unfit  for  a  pcrfoii  to  fit  as  judge  in  a  cafe 
where  his  own  perfonal  relentments  are  flirr- 
ed  up  ;  and,  as  members  of  fociety  in  a  well 
framed  government,  we  are  mutually  depen- 
dent. Prefent  intereft  incites  to  duty,  and 
ch  man  attentive  to  the  conveni- 
ence 


298    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

ence  of  others  ;  but  he  whofe  will  is  a  law  to 
others,  and  can  enforce  obedience  by  punifh- 
ment ;  he  whofe  wants  are  fuppHed  without 
feeling  any  obligation  to  make  equal  returns 
to  his  benefactor,  his  irregular  appetites  find 
an  open  field  for  motion,  and  he  is  in  dan- 
ger of  growing  hard,  and  inattentive  to  their 
convenience  who  labour  for  his  fupport  5  and 
fo  lofes  that  difpoiition,  in  which  alone  men 
are  fit  to  govern. 

The  English  government  hath  been  com- 
mended by  candid  foreigners  for  the  difufe 
of  racks  and  tortures,  fo  much  praclifed  in 
Ibnie  ftates  ;  but  this  multiplying  flaves  now 
leads  to  it;  for  where  people  exact  hard  h- 
bour  of  others,  without  a  faitable  reward,' 
aid  are  refolved  to  continue  in  that  way,  fe- 
verity  to  fuch  who  oppofe  them  becomes  the 
coiifequence  ;  and  feveral  Negroe  criminals, 
among  the  Engliih  in  America,  have  been 
executed  in  a  lingering,  painful  way,  very 
terrifying  to  others. 

It  is  a  happy  cafe  to  fet  out  right,  and  per- 
fevere  in  the  fame  way  :  a  wrong  beginning 
leads  into  many  difficulties ;  for  to  fupport 
pne  evil,  another  becomes  cuftomary  ;  two 
produces  more  ;  and  the  farther  men  proceed 
in  this  way,  the  greater  their  dangers,  their 
doubts  and  fears  ;  and  the  more  painful  and 
perplexing  are  their  circumllances  ;  fo  that 
fuch  who  are  true  friends  to  the  real  and  lad- 
ing intereit  of  our  country,  and  candidly 
confider  the  tendency  of  things,  cannot  but 
feel  fome  concern  on  this  account. 

There 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     299 

There  is  that  fuperiority  in  men  over  the 
brute  creatures,  and  fome  of  them  fo  mani- 
feflly  dependent  on  men  for  a  living,  that  for 
them  to  ferve  us  in  moderation,  fo  far  as  re- 
lates to  the  right  ufe  of  things,  looks  confo- 
nant  to  the  defign  of  our  Creator. 

There  is  nothing  in  their  frame,  nothing 
relative  to  the  propagating  their  fpecies,  which 
argues  the  contrary ;  but  in  men  there  is. 
The  frame  of  men's  bodies,  and  the  difpofi- 
tion  of  their  minds  are  different ;  fome,  who 
are  tough  and  ftrong,  and  their  minds  active, 
chuie  ways  of  life  requiring  much  labour  to 
fiipport  them  ;  others  are  foon  weary  ;  and 
though  ufe  makes  labour  more  tolerable,  yet 
fome  are  lefs  apt  for  toil  than  others,  and 
their  minds  lefs  fprightly.  Thefe  latter  la- 
bouring for  their  fubiiftence,  commonly 
chufe  a  life  eafy  to  fupport,  being  content 
with  a  little.  When  they  are  weary  they  may 
reft,  take  the  moft  advantageous  part  of  the 
clay  for  labour  ;  and  in  all  cafes  proportion 
one  thing  to  another,  that  their  bodies  be  not 
pppreffed. 

Now,  while  each  is  at  liberty,  the  latter 
may  be  as  happy,  and  live  as  comfortably 
as  the  former  ;  but  where  men  of  the  firft 
fort  have  the  latter  under  abfolute  command, 
not  confidering  the  odds  in  ftrength  and  firm- 
nefs,  do,  fome  times,  in  their  eager  purfuit, 
lay  on  burthens  grievous  to  be  borne  ;  by  de- 
grees grow  rigorous,  and,  afpiring  to  great^ 
nefs,  they  increafe  oppreflion,  and  the  true 
order  of  kind  Providence  is  fub  verted. 


Soo    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

There  are  weaknefTes  fometimes  attending 
•us,  which  make  little  or  no  alteration  in  our 
countenances,  nor  much  leilen  our  appetite 
for  food,  and  yet  fo  affect  us,  as  to  make  la- 
bour very  uneafy.  In  luch  cafe  mafters,  in- 
tent on  putting  forward  bu/inefs,  and  jealous 
of  the  fmcerity  of  their  (laves,  may  difbelieve 
what  they  fay,  and  grievoufly  afflict  them. 

Action  is  neceflary  for  all  men,  and  our 
exhaufting  frame  requires  a  fupport,  which 
is  the  fruit  of  action.  The  earth  mud  be 
laboured  to  keep  us  alive  :  labour  is  a  proper 
part  of  our  life  ;  to  make  one  anfwer  the  o- 
ther  in  fome  ufeful  motion,  looks  agreeable 
to  the  defign  of  our  Creator.  Motion,  right- 
ly managed,  tends  to  our  fatisfaction,  health 
and  fupport. 

Thofe  who  quit  all  ufeful  bufmefs,  and  live 
wholly  on  the  labour  of  others,  have  their 
ex  ere  iie  to  feck  ;  fome  fiich  ufe  lefs  than  their 
health  requires  ;  others  chufe  that  which,  by 
the  circumftances  attending  ity  proves  utter- 
ly reverfe  to  true  happmefs.  Thus,  while 
fome  are  divers  ways  diilrefTed  for  want  of 
an  open  channel  of  ufeful  action,  ,thofe  who 
fupport  them  figh,  and  are  exhaufte.d  in  a 
ilream  too  powerful  for  nature,  fpending  their 
days  with  too  little  ceiTation  from  labour. 

Seed  {own  with  the  tears  of  a  confined  op- 
preiled  people,  harveil  cut  down  by  an  over- 
borne difcontented  reaper,  makes  bread  lefs 
i\veet  to  the  taile  of  an  honeft  man,  than 
that  which  is  the  produce,  or  in  ft  reward  of 

fuch 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES,     yx 

fucli  voluntary  action,  which,  is  one  proper 
part  of  the  bufmefs  of  human  creatures. 

Again,  the  weak  ftate  of  the  human  fpe- 
cies,  in  bearing  and  bringing  forth  their 
young,  and  the  helplefs  condition  of  their 
young  beyond  that  of  other  creatures,  clearly 
fhew  that  Perfect  Goodnefs  defigns  a  tender 
care  and  regard  fhould  be  exercifed  toward 
them  ;  and  that  no  imperfect,  arbitrary  pow- 
er fiiould  prevent  the  cordial  efFects  of  that 
fympathy,  which  is,  in  the  minds  of  well- 
met  pairs,  to  each  other,  and  toward  their 
offspring. 

In  our  fpecies  the  mutual  ties  of  affection 
are  more  rational  and  durable  than  in  others 
below  us  ;  the  care  and  labour  of  railing  our 
offspring  much  greater.  The  fatisfaction  a- 
rifing  to  us  in  their  innocent  company,  and 
in  their  advances  from  one  rational  improve- 
ment to  another,  is  considerable,  when  two 
are  thus  joined,  and  their  affections  fincere. 
It  however  happens  among  flaves,  that  they 
are  often  fituate  in  different  places  ;  and  their 
feeing  each  other  depends  on  the  will  of  men,, 
liable  to  human  paifions,  and  a  bias  in  judg- 
ment ;  who,  with  views  of  felf-intereft,  may 
keep  them  apart  more  than  is  right.  Being 
abfent  from  each  other,  and  often  with  other 
company,  there  is  a  danger  of  their  affections 
being  alienated,  jealoufies  arifing,  the  hap- 
pineis  otherwife  refulting  from  their  offspring 
fruftrated,  and  the  comforts  of  marriage 
llroyed. — Thefe  things  being  conlidered 


302    CONSIDERATIONS   ON    THE 

ly,  as  happening  to  a  near  friend,   will  ap- 
pear to  be  hard  and  painful. 

He  who  reverently  obferves  that  goodnefs 
manifefted  by  our  gracious  Creator  tpward 
the  various  fpecies  of  beings  in  this  world, 
will  fee,  that  in  our  frame  and  conflitution 
is  clearly  {hewn  that  innocent  men,  capable 
to  manage  for  themfelves,  were  not  intended 
to  be  Haves. 

A  perfon  lately  travelling  amongfl  the  Ne- 
groes near  Senegal,  hath  this  remark  ; 
"  Which  way  foever  I  turned  my  eyes  on 
"  this  pleafant  fpot,  I  beheld  a  perfect  image 
"  of  pure  nature  ;  an  agreeable  folitude, 
"  bounded  on  every  fide  by  charming  land- 
"  fkips,  the  rural  fituation  of  cottages  in  the 
"  rnidft  of  trees.  The  eafe  and  indolence  of 
"  die  Negroes  reclined  under  the  (hade  of 
"  their  fpreading  foliage  ;  the  flmplicity  of 
<c  their  drefs  and  manners  ;  the  whole  re viv- 
ct  ed  in  my  mind  the  idea  of  our  firft  parents, 
"  and  I  feemed  to  contemplate  the  world  in 
44  its  primitive  flate."  M.  Adanfon,  page  55. 

Some  Negroes  in  thefe  parts,  who  have 
had  an  agreeable  education,  have  manifefted 
a  brightnefs  of  underftanding  equal  to  many 
of  us.  A  remark  of  this  kind  we  find  in  Bof- 
man,  page  328.  "  The  Negroes  of  Fida, 
*'  faith  he,  are  fo  accurately  quick  in  their 
"  merchandize  accounts,  that  they  eafily 
"  reckon  as  juftly  and  quickly  in  their  heads 
"  only,  as  we  with  the  afliftance  of  pen  and 
"  ink,  though  the  fum  amounts  to  feveral 
"  thoufands." 

Through 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     333 

Through  the  force  of  long  cuftom,  it  ap- 
pears needful  to  fpeak  in  relation  to  colour. — 
Suppofe  a  white  child,  born  of  parents  of  the 
meaneft  fort,  who  died  and  left  him  an  in- 
fant, falls  into  the  hands  of  a  perfon,  who 
endeavours  to  keep  him  a  flave,  foine  men 
would  account  him  an  unjuft  man  in  doing 
fo,  who  yet  appear  eafy  while  many  black 
people,  of  honeft  lives,  and  good  abilities, 
are  enilaved,  in  a  manner  more  mocking 
than  the  cafe  here  fuppofed.  This  is  owing 
chiefly  to  the  idea  of  flavcry  being  connected 
with  the  black  colour,  and  liberty  with  the 
white  : — and  wher-j  falfe  ideas  are  twilled  in- 
to our  minds,  it  is  with  difEculty  we  get 
fairly  difentangled. 

A  traveller,  in  cloudy  weathef ,  mifleth  his 
way,  makes  many  turns  while  he  is  loft  ;  ftill 
forms  in  his  mind,  the  bearing  and  iituation 
of  places,  and  though  the  ideas  are  wrong, 
they  fix  as  faft  as  if  they  were  right.  Find- 
ing how  things  are,  we  fee  our  miftake  ;  yet 
•the  force  of  reafon,  with  repeated  obfervati- 
ons  on  places  and  things,  do  not  foon  remove 
thofe  falfe  notions,  fo  faftened  upon  us,  but 
it  will  feem  in  the  imagination  as  if  the  an- 
nual courfe  of  the  fan  was  altered  ;  and 
though,  by  recollection,  we  are  allured  it  is 
not,  yet  thofe  ideas  do  not  fuddenly  leave  us. 
!  Selfimnefs  being  indulged,  clouds  the  un- 
dcrftanding;  and  where  felfifh  men,  for  a 
long  time,  proceed  on  their  wa*,  without 
oppofition,  the  deceiveablenefs  of  unrighte- 
oumefs  gets  fo  rooted  in  their  intellects,  that 

a  candid 


304    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

a  candid  examination  of  things  relating  to 
felf-interefl  is  prevented  ;  and  in  this  cir- 
cumftance,  fome  who  would  not  agree  to 
make  a  flave  of  a  perfon  whofe  colour  is  like 
their  .own,  appear  eafy  in  making  flaves  of 
others  of  a  different  colour,  though  their  un- 
derftandings  and  morals  are  equal  to  the  ge- 
nerality of.men  of  their  own  colour. 

The  colour  of  a  man  avails  nothing,  in 
matters  of  right  and  equity.  Coniider  co- 
lour in  relation  to  treaties  ;  by  fuch,  difputes 
betwixt  nations  are  fometimes  fettled.  And 
ihould  the  father  of  us  all  fo  difpofe  things, 
that  treaties  with  black  men  mould  fometimes 
be  neceilary,  how  then  would  it  appear  a- 
mongfl  the  princes  and  ambaffadors,  to  infifl 
on  the  prerogative  of  the  white  colour  ? 

Whence  is  it  that  men,  who  believe  in  a 
righteous  omnipotent  Being,  to.  whom  all 
nations  fland  equally  related,  and  are  equal- 
ly accountable,  remain  fo  eafy  in  it ;  but  for 
that  the  ideas  of  Negroes  and  flaves  are  fo 
interwoven  in  the  mind,  that  they  do  not 
difcufs  this  matter  with  that  candour  and 
freedom  of  thought,  which  the  cafe  juftly 
calls  for  ? 

To  come  at  a  right  feeling  of  their  condi- 
tion, requires  humble  ferious  thinking ;  for, 
in  their  prefent  iituation,  they  have  but  little 
to  engage  our  natural  affection  in  their  fa- 
vour. 

Had  we  a  fon  or  a  daughter  involved  i-i 
the  fame  cafe,  in  which  many  of  them  are,  it- 
would  alarm  us,  and  make  us  feel  their  con- 
dition 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.       305 

dkion  without  feeking  for  it.  The  adverfity 
of  an  iiitimate  friend  will  incite  our  compaf- 
fion,  while  others,  equally  good,  in  the  like 
trouble,  will  but  little  affect  us. 

Again,  the  man  in  worldly  honour,  whom 
tve  confider  as  our  fuperior,  treating  us  with 
kindnefs  and  generality,  begets  a  return  of 
gratitude  and  friendship  toward  him.  We 
may  receive  as  great  benefits  from  men  a  de- 
gree lower  than  ourfelves,  in  the  common 
way  of  reckoning,  and  feel  ourfelves  lefs 
engaged  in  favour  of  them.  Such  is  our 
condition  by  nature ;  and  thefe  things  be- 
ing narrowly  watched  and  examined,  will  be 
found  to  center  in  felf-love. 

The  blacks  feem  far  from  being  our  kins- 
folks, and  did  we  find  an  agreeable  difpofiti- 
on  and  found  underflanding  in  fome  of  them, 
which  appeared  as  a  good  foundation  for  a 
tru&  friendfhip  between  us,  the  difgrace  arif- 
ing  from  an  open  friendihip  with  a  perfon  of 
fo  vile  a  flock,  in  the  common  efteem,  would 
naturally  tend,  to  hinder  it. — -They  have  nei- 
ther honours^  riches,  outward  magnificence 
nor  power  ;  their  drefs  coarfe,  and  often  rag- 
ged ;  their  employ  drudgery,  and  much  in. 
the  dirt :  they  have  little  or  nothing  at  com- 
mand ;  but  muft  wait  upon  and  work  for  a- 
thers,  to  obtain  the  neceffaries  of  life  ;  fo 
that,  in  their  prefent  fituation,  there  is  not 
much  to  engage  the  friendihip,  or  move  the 
affection  of  felfilh  men :  but  fuch  who  live  in 
the  fpirit  of  true  charity,  to  fympathife  with 
X  the 


3o6    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

the  afflicled  in  the  loweft  ftations  of  life,  is 
a  thing  familiar  to  them. 

Such  is  the  kindnefs  of  our  Creator,  that 
people,  applying  their  minds  to  found  wif- 
dom,  may,  in  general,  with  moderate  exer- 
clfe,  live  comfortably,  where  no  mifapplied 

power  hinders  it. We  in  thefe  parts  have 

caufe  gratefully  to  acknowledge  it.  But  men 
leaving  the  true  ufe  of  things,  their  lives  are 
lefs  calm,  and  have  lefs  of  real  happinefs  in 
them. 

Many  are  defirous  of  purchafing  and  keep- 
ing flaves,  that  they  may  live  in  fome  mea- 
fure  conformable  to  thofe  cuftoms  of  the  - 
times,  which  have  in  them  a  tincture  of  lux- 
ury ;  for  when  we,  in  the  leaft  degree,  de- 
part from  that  ufe  of  the  creatures,  for  which 
the  Creator  of  all  things  intended  them,  there 
luxury  begins. 

And  if  we  confider  this  way  of  life  feri- 
ouily,  we  ihall  fee  there  is  nothing  in  it  fuf- 
ficient  to  induce  a  wife  man  to  chufe  it,  be- 
fore a  plain,  fimple  wray  of  living.  If  we 
examine  ftately  buildings  and  equipage,  de- 
licious food,  fuperfine  cloaths,  filks  and 
linens  ;  if  we  confider  the  fplendour  of  choice 
metal  fafbened  upon  raiment,  and  the  mofl 
fliowy  inventions  of  men  ;  it  will  yet  appear 
that  the  humble-minded  man,  who  is  con- 
tented with  the  true  ufe  of  houfes,  food  and 
garments,  and  chearfully  exercifeth  himfelf 
agreeable  to  his  ftation  in  civil  fociety,  to 
earn  them,  acts  more  reafonably,  and  dif- 

covers  j 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     307 

covers  more  foundnefs  of  underftanding  in 
his  conduct,  than  fuch  who  lay  heavy  bun- 
dens  on  others,  to  fupport  themfelves  in  a 
luxurious  way  of  living. 

George  Buchanan,  in  his  Infbory  of  Scot- 
land, page  62,  tells  of  fome  anoieut  inhabi- 
tants of  Britain,  who  were  derived  from  a 
people  that  "  had  a  way  of  marking  their 
bodies,  as  fome  faid,  with  inflruments  of 
iron,  with  variety  of  pictures,  and  with  ani- 
mals of  all  ihapes,  and  wear  no  garments, 
that  they  mould  not  hide  their  pictures  ;  and 
were  therefore  called  Picts." 

Did  we  fee  thofe  people  fhrink  with  pain, 
for  a  considerable  time  together,  under  the 
point  or  edge  of  this  iron  iniirument,  and 
their  bodies  all  bloody  with  the  operation  ; 
did  we  fee  them  fometimes  naked,  fufFering 
with  cold,  and  refufe  to  put  on  garments, 
that  thofe  imaginary  enfigns  of  grandeur 
might  not  be  concealed,  it  is  likely  we  ihould 
pity  their  folly,  and  fondnefs  for  thofe  things : 
but  if  we  candidly  compare  their  conduct^ 
in  that  cafe,  with  fome  condudt  amongft 
ourfelves,  will  it  not  appear  that  our  folly  is 
the  greatefl  ? 

In  true  gofpel  fimplicity,  free  from  all 
wrong  ufe  of  things,  a  fpirit  which  breathes 
.  peace  and  good  will  is  cherifhed  ;  but  when 
we  afpire  after  imaginary  grandeur,  and  ap- 
ply to  felfifh  means  to  atlain  our  end,  this 
defire,  in  its  original,  is  the  fame  with  the 
Picts  in  c acting  figures  on  their  bodies  j  but 
X  2  the 


308     CONSIDERATIONS  OK   THE 

the  evil  confequences  attending  our  proceed- 
ings are  the  greateft. 

A  covetous  mind,  which  feeks  opportuni- 
ty to,  exalt  itfelf,  is  a  great  enemy  to  true 
harmony  in  a  country :  envy  and  grudging 
ufually  accompany  this  difpofition,  and  it 
tends  to  ftir  up  its  likenefs  in  others.  And 
where  this  difpofition  arifeth  fo  high,  as  to 
embolden  us  to  look  upon  honed  induftrious 
men  as  our  own  property  during  life,  and  to 
keep  them  to  hard  labour,  to  fupport  us  in 
thofe  cuftoms  which  have  not  their  founda- 
tion in  right  reafon ;  or  to  ufe  any  means  of 
oppreflion ;  a  haughty  fpirit  is  cheriihed  on 
one  fide,  and  the  defire  of  revenge  frequent- 
ly on  the  other,  till  the  inhabitants  of  the 
land  are  ripe  for  great  commotion  and  trou- 
ble ;  and  thus  luxury  and  opprefTion  have 
the  feeds  of  war  and  defolation  in  them. 


Some  Account  of  the  SLAVE-TRADE, 

From  the  writings  of  perfons  who  have  been 
at  the  places  where  they  arc  nrft  purchafed, 
viz. 

T)  O  S  M  A  N  on  Guinea,  who  was  a  factor 
•*"*  for  the  Dutch  about  fixteen  years  in  that 
country,  (page  339)  thus  remarks  :  "  But 
*'  fince  I  have  fo  often  mentioned  that  com- 
"  merce,  I  ihall  defcribe  how  it  is  managed 
"  by  our  factors.  The  firft  bufmefs  of  one 

"  of 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     309 

"  of  our  factors,  when  he  comes  to  Fida,  is 
"  to  fatisfy  the  cuflomsof  the  king,  and  the 
"  great  men,  which  amounts  to  about  one 
"  hundred  pounds,  in  Guinea  value,  as  the 
"  goods  mufl  fell  there.  After  which  we 
**  hare  free  licence  to  trade,  which  is  pub- 
"  limed  throughout  the  whole  land  by  the 
"  cryer.  And  yet  before  we  can  deal  with 
"  any  perfon,  we  are  obliged  to  buy  the 
<c  king's  whole  flock  of  flaves,  at  a  fet  price; 
<t  which  is  commonly  one  third  or  fourth 
"  higher  than  ordinary.  After  which,  we 
"  have  free  leave  to  deal  with  all  his  fubjects, 
"  of  what  rank  foever.  But  if  there  happen 
"  to  be  no  flock  of  flaves,  the  fadlor  muft 
"  refolve  to  run  the  rifk  of  trufling  the  in- 
"  habitants  with  goods,  to  the  value  of  one 
"  or  two  hundred  flaves  ;  which  commodi- 
"  ties  they  fend  into  the  inland  country,  in 
"  order  to  buy  with  them  flaves  at  all  mar- 
"  kets,  and  that  fometimes  two  hundred 
"  miles  deep  in  the  country:  for  you  ought 
"  to  be  informed,  that  markets  of  men  are 
"  here  kept  in  the  fame  manner  as  they  of 
"  beafls  are  with  us. 

"  Moil  of  the  flaves  which  are  offered  to 
<c  us,  are  prifoners  of  war,    which  are  fold 

"  by  the  victors  as  their  booty. When 

*'  thefe  flaves  come  to  Fida,  they  are  put  in 
"  prifons  all  together  ;  and  when  we  treat 
"  concerning  them,  they  are  all  brought  out 
"  in  a  large  plain,  where,  by  our  furgeons, 
1  whofe  province  it  is,  they  are  thoroughly 
w  examined,  even  to  the  fraallefl  member, 

"  and 


3io     CONSIDERATIONS    ON  THE 

"  and  that  naked,  both  men  and  women, 
"  without  the  leail  diftinclion  or  modefty, 
"  Thofe  which  are  approved  as  good,  are  fet 
"  on  one  fide.  The  invalids  and  maimed 
"  being  thrown  out,  the  remainder  are  num- 
"  bered,  and  it  is  entered  who  delivered 
'*  them  :  in  the  mean  while  a  burning  iron, 
"  with  the  arms  or  name  of  the  company, 
"  lies  in  the  fire,  with  which  ours  are  mark- 
"  ed  on  the  bread.  This  is  done,  that  we 
"  may ,  diftinguifh  them  from  the  flaves  of 
"  the  Englim,  French,  or  others.  When 
"  we  have  agreed  with  the  owners  of  the 
"  flaves,  they  are  returned  to  their  prifons, 
"  where,  from  that  time  forward,  they  are 
"  kept  at  our  charge,  cofl  us  two- pence  a 
"  day  a  flave,  which  ferves  to  fubfift  them, 
"  like  our  criminals,  on  bread  and  water  : 
"  fo  that,  to  fave  charges,  we  fend  them  on 
"  board  our  mips  the  firit  opportunity  ;  be- 
"  fore  which  their  mailers  ftrip  them  of  all 

•'  they  have  on  their  backs,  fo  that  they 
"  come  aboard  ftark  naked,  as  well  women 
"  as  men  ;  in  which  condition  they  are  o- 
c<  bliged  to  continue,  if  the  mailer  of  the 
"  fhip  is  not  fo  charitable  (which  he  com- 

'  monly  is)  as  to  beftow  fomething  on  them, 
''  to  cover  their  nakednefs. 

Same  author,  page  310.     "  The  inhabi- 

'  tants  of  Popo,  as  well  as  thofe  of  Goto,  de- 
"  pend  on  plunder,  and  the  flave- trade,  in 
"  both  which  they  very  much  exceed  the  lat- 
"  ter  ;  for  being  endowed  with  more  courage, 
**  they  rob  more  fuccefsfully,  and  by  that 

"  means. 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     311 

l<  means  increafe  their  trade  :  notwithftand- 
"  ing  which,  to  freight  a  vefTel  with  ilaves, 
"  requires  fome  months  attendance.  In  the 
"  year  1697,  in  three  days  time  I  could  get 
"  but  three  flaves  ;  but  they  affured  me,  that 
"  if  I  would  have  patience  for  other  three 
*'  days  only,  they  mould  be  able  to  deliver 
"  me  one  or  two  hundred." 

Bofman,  page  440.  "  We  caft  anchor  at 
*'  cape  Mizurada,  but  not  one  Negroe  coming 
"  on  board,  I  went  on  more ;  and  being  defi- 
"  rous  to  be  informed  why  they  did  not  come 
"  on  board,  was  anfwered,  That  about  two 
"  months  before,  the  Englifh  had  been  there 
"  with  two  veffels,  and  had  ravaged  the  coun- 
"  try,  deflroyed  all  their  canoes,  plundered 
"  their  houfes,  and  carried  off  fome  of  their 
"  people  for  flaves  ;  upon  which  the  re- 
"  mainder  fled  to  the  inland  country.  They 
"  tell  us,  they  live  in  peace  with  all  their 
*'  neighbours,  and  have  no  notion  of  any 
"  other  enemy  than  the  Englifh  ;  of  which 
"  nation  they  had  taken  fome  then  :  and 
"  publickly  declared,  that  they  would  en- 
<c  deavour  to  get  as  many  of  them,  as  the 
"  two  mentioned  mips  had  carried  off  of 
"  their  natives.  Thefe  unhappy  Englifh 
"  were  in  danger  of  being  facrificed  to  the 
"  the  memory  of  their  friends,  which  fome 
"  of  their  nation  carried  off." 


312     CONSIDERATIONS   ON    THE 
EXTRACTS    from  a    Colledlion  of ' 

Vo  Y  AGES.       Vol.    I. 

H  E  author,  a  popifh  miiTionary,  fpeakr 
ing  of  his  departing  from  the  Negroe 
country  to  Brazil,  faith,  "  I  remember  the 
duke  of  Bambay  (a  Negroe  chief )  one  day 
fent  me  feveral  blacks,  to  be  my  Haves,  which 
'I  would  not  accept  of;  but  lent  them  back 
to  him.  I  afterwards  told  him,  I  came  not 
into  his  country  to  make  flavcs ;  but  rather 
to  deliver  thofe  from  the  ilavery  of  the  devil, 
whom  he  kept  in  miferable  thraldom.  The' 
•Jhip  I  went  aboard  was  loaded  with  elephants 
teeth,  and  ilaves,  to  the  number  of  llx  b 
dred  and  eighty  men,  women  and  children. 
It  was  a  pitiful  fight  to  behold  how  all  thefet' 
people  were  beftowed.  The  men  were  .;,;  ;•]- 
ing  in  the  hold,  fattened  one  to  .  hei  xith 
Hakes,  for  fear  they  mould  rife  and  H  r/.e 
whites  :  the  women  were  between  the  decks, 
and  thofe  that  were  wkh  child  in  the  great 
cabbin  ;  the  children  in  the  fteerage,  preJTed 
together  like  herrings  in  a  barrel  ;  which 
caufed  an  intolerable  heat  and  flench."  Page 

5°7- 

"  It  is  now  time  (faith  the  fame  author) 

to  fpeak  of  a  brutifh  cuflom  thefe  people 
have  amongfc  them  in  making  ilaves  ;  which 
I  take  not  to  be  lawful  for  any  perfon  of  a 

good  confcience  to  buy." 

He  then  defcribes  how  women  betray  men 
into  ilavery,  and  adds,  "  There  are  others 
going  up  into  the  inland  country,  and,  thro' 

pretence 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     313 

pretence  of  jurifdiction,  feize  men  upon  any 
trifling  offence,  and  fell  them  for  Haves." 
Page  537. 

The  author  of  this  treatife,  converfing  with 
aperfon  of  good  credit,  was  informed  by  him, 
that  in  his  youth,  while  in  England,  he  was 
minded  to  come  to  America,  and  happening 
on  a  veilel  bound  for  Guinea,  and  from 
thence  into  America,  he,  with  a  view  to  fee 
Africa,  went  on  board  her,  and  continued 
with  them  in  their  voyage,  and  fo  came  into 
this  country.  Among  other  circumilances 
he  related  thefe.  "  They  purchafed  on  the 
coafl  about  three  hundred  flaves  ;  fome  of 
them  he  underftood  were  captives  of  war ; 
fome  flolen  by  other  Negroes  privately. 
When  they  had  got  many  flaves  on  board, 
but  were  ftill  on  that  coaft,  a  plot  was  laid 
by  an  old  Negroe,  notwithstanding  the  men 
had  irons  on  their  hands  and  feet,  to  kill  the 
Englifh  and  take  the  veflel  ;  which  being  dif- 
covered,  the  man  was  hanged,  and  many  of 
the  flaves  made  to  fhoot  at  him  as  he  hum* 
up." 

c  Another  flave  was  charged  with  having  a 
defign  to  kill  the  Englifh  ;  and  the  captain 
fpoke  to  him  in  relation  to  the  charge  brought 
againft  him,  as  he  flood  on  deck  ;  whereup- 
on he  immediately  threw  himfelf  into  the 
fea,  and  was  drowned." 

"  Several  Negroes,  confined  on  board,  were, 
he  faid,  fo  extremely  uneafy  with  their  con- 
dition, that  after  many  endeavours  ufed, 
they  could  never  make  them  cat  aor  drink 

after 


314    CONSIDERATIONS   ON  THE 

after  they  came  in  the  veflel  ;  but  in  a  defpe- 
rate  refolutioii  ftarvecl  themfelves  to  death, 
behaving  toward  the  lafl  like  mad-men." 

In  Randall's  geography,  printed  1744,  we 
are  informed,  "  That  in  a  time  of  full  peace 
nothing  is  more  common  than  for  the  Negroes 
of  one  nation  to  deal  thofe  of  another,  and 
fell  them  to  the  Europeans.  It  is  thought 
that  the  Englifli  tranfmit  annually  near  fifty 
thoufand  of  thefe  unhappy  creatures  ;  and 
the  other  European  nations  together,  about 
two  hundred  thoufand  more." 

It  is  through  the  goodnefs  of  God  that  the 
reformation  from  grofs  idolatry  and  barbari- 
ty hath  been  thus  far  effected  ;  if  we  confi- 
der  our  conditions  as  chriftians,  and  the  be- 
nefits we  enjoy,  and  compare  them  with  the 
condition  of  thofe  people,  and  confider  that 
our  nation  trading  with  them  for  their  coun- 
try produce,  have  had  an  opportunity  of  im- 
parting ufeful  infractions  to  them,  and  re- 
member that  but  little  pains  have  been  taken 
therein,  it  mufl  look  like  an  indifference  in 

us. But  when  we  reflect  on  a  cuftom  the 

mod  mocking  of  any  amongfl  them,  and  re- 
member that,  with  a  view  to  outward  gain, 
we  have  joined  as  parties  in  it ;  that  our  con- 
currence with  them  in  their  barbarous  pro- 
ceedings, has  tended  to  harden  them  in  cru- 
elty, and  been  a  means  'of  increafing  calami- 
ties in  their  country,  we  inufl  own  that 
herein  we  have  acted  contrary  to  thofe  wor- 
thies whofe  lives  and  fubftance  were  fpcnt  in 
propagating  truth  and  righteoulheis  amongft 

the 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     315 

the  heathen.  When  Saul,  by  the  hand  of 
Doeg,  flew  four  fcore  priefts  at  once,  he  had 
a  jealoufy  that  one  of  them  a^  lead  was  con- 
federate with  David,  whom  he  coniidered  as 

his   enemy. Herod  flaying  all  the  male 

children  in  Bethlehem  of  two  years  old  and 
under,  was  an  act  of  uncommon  cruelty  ;,  but 
he  fuppofed  there  was  a  male  child  there, 
within  that  age,  who  was  likely  to  be  king 
of  the  Jews,  and  finding  no  way  to  deftroy 
him,  but  by  destroying  them  all,  thought 
this  the  moft  effectual  means  to  fecure  the 
kingdom  to  his  own  family. 

When  the  fentence  againfl  the  proteftants 
of  MarindoJ,  &c.  in  France,  was  put  in  ex- 
ecution, great  numbers  of  people  fled  to  the 
wildernefs  ;  amongft  whom  were  ancient 
people,  women  great  with  child,  and  others 
with  babes  in  their  arms,  who  endured  cala- 
mities grievous  to  relate,  and  in  the  end  fome 
periihed  with  hunger,  and  many  were  de- 
Itroyed  by  fire  and  fword  ;  but  they  had  this 
objection  againft  them,  That  they  obftinately 
pcrfifted  in  oppoiition  to  holy  mother  church, 
and  being  hereticks,  it  was  right  to  work 
their  ruin  and  extirpation,  and  raze  out  their 

>ry  from  among  men,      Fox's  Acts  and 

,;ents,  page  646. 
In  favour  of  thofe  cruelties,  every  one  had 

they  deemed  a  plea. Thefe  fcenes  of 

blood  and  cruelty  among  the  barbarous  in- 
r  Ahitauts  of  Guinea,  are  not  lefs  terrible 
than  thofe  now  mentioned.  They  are  con- 
tinued from  one  age  to  another,  and  we  make 

ourfelves 


316     CONSIDERATIONS   ON    THE 

ourfelves  parties  and  fellow-helpers  in  them ; 
nor  do  I  fee  that  we  have  any  plea  in  our  fa- 
vour more  plaufible  than  the  plea  of  Saul,  of 
Herod,  or  the  French  in  thofe  iiangliters. 

Many  who  are  parties  in  this  trade,  by 
keeping  flaves  with  views  of  felf-intereft, 
were  they  to  go  as  foldiers  in  one  of  thefe  in- 
land expeditions  to  catch  ilaves,  they  muft 
neceffarily  grow  difiatisfied  with  fuch  em- 
ploy, or  ceafe  to  profefs  their  religious  prin- 
ciples. And  though  the  firft  and  moft  ftrik- 
ing  part  of  the  fcene  is  done  at  a  great  dif- 
tance,  and  by  other  hands,  yet  every  one 
who  is  acquainted  with  the  circumftances, 
and  notwithstanding  joins  in  it  for  the  fake 
of  gain  only,  muft,  in  the  nature  of  things, 
be  chargeable  with  the  others. 

Should  we  confider  ourfelves  prefent  as 
fpectators,  when  cruel  Negroes  privately 
catch  innocent  children,  who  are  employed 
in  the  fields  ;  hear  their  lamentable  cries, 
under  the  moil  terrifying  apprehenfions  ;  or 
fliould  we  look  upon  it  as  happening  in  our 
own  families,  having  our  children  carried 
off  by  favages,  we  muft  needs  own,  that 
fuch  proceedings  are  contrary  to  the  nature 
of  chriftianity:  fhould  we  meditate  on  the 
wars  which  are  greatly  increafed  by  this 
trade,  and  on  that  affliction  which  many 
thoufands  live  in,  through  apprehenlioiis  of 
being  taken  or  {lain ;  on  the  terror  and  a- 
mazement  that  villages  are  in,  when  fur- 
rounded  by  thefe  troops  of  enterprifers  ;  on 
the  great  pain  and  miiery  of  groaning  dying 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     3*7 

men,  who  get  wounded  in  thofe  fkirmimes  ; 
we  mall  neceifarily  lee,  that  it  is  impoflible 
to  be  parties  in  fuch  a  trade,  on  the  motives 
of  gain,  and  retain  our  innocence. 

Should  we  conlider  the  cafe  of  multitudes 
of  thofe  people,  who  in  a  fruitful  foil,  and 
hot  climate,  with  a  little  labour,  raife  grain, 
roots  and  pulfe  to  eat ;  fpin  and  weave  cot- 
ton, and  faften  together  the  large  feathers  of 
fowls,  to  cover  their  nakednefs  ;  many  of 
whom,  in  much  fimplicity,  live  inoiFenfively 
in  their  cottages,  and  take  great  comfort  in 
railing  up  children. 

Should  we  contemplate  on  their  circum- 
ftances,  when  fuddenly  attacked,  and  labour 
to  underftand  their  inexpreffible  anguiih  of 
foul,  who  furvive  the  conflict ;  mould  we 
think  on  inoffenfive  women,  who  fled  at  the 
alarm,  and  at  their  return  faw  that  village, 
in  which  they  and  their  acquaintance  were 
raifed  up,  and  had  pleafantly  fpent  their 
youthful  days,  now  lying  in  a  gloomy  defo- 
lation  ;  fome  mocked  at  finding  the  mangled 
bodies  of  their  near  friends  amongfl  the  flain ; 
others  bemoaning  the  abfence  of  a  brother,  a 
fifter,  a  child,  or  a  whole  family  of  children, 
who,  by  cruel  men,  are  bound  and  carried 
to  market,  to  be  fold,  without  the  leafl  hopes 
of  feeing  them  again  :  add  to  this,  the  af- 
flicted condition  of  thefe  poor  captives,  who 
are  feparated  from  family  connections,  and 
all  the  comforts  ariiing  from  friendihip  and 
acquaintance,  carried  amongft  a  people  of  a 
ftrange  language,  to  be  parted  from  their 

fellow 


3i8     CONSIDERATIONS   ON  TH£ 

fellow  captives,  put  to  labour  in  a  manner 
more  fervile  and  wearifome  than  what  they 
were  ufed  to,  with  many  forrowful  c  ire  urn- 
ftances  attending  their  flavery  ;  and  we  rnuft 
iieceffarily  fee,  that  it  belongs  not  to  the  fol- 
lowers of  Chrift  to  be  parties  in  fuch  a  trade, 
on  the  motives  of  outward  gain. 

Though  there  were  wars  and  defolation  a- 
mong  the  Negroes,  before  the  Europeans  be- 
gan to  trade  there  for  flaves,  yet  now  the  ca-1 
lamities  are  greatly  increafed,  fo  many  thou- 
fantls  being  annually  brought  from  thence  ; 
and  we,  by  purchafing  them,  with  views  of 
felf-intereft,  are  become  parties  with  them, 
and  acceffary  to  that  increafe. 

In  this  cafe,  we  are  not  joining  againft  an 
enemy  who  is  fomenting  difcords  on  our  con- 
tinent, and  ufing  all  poilible  means  to  make 
flaves  of  us  and  our  children  ;  but  againft  a 
people  who  have  not  injured  us. 

If  thofe  who  were  Ipoiled  and  wronged, 
fliould  at  length  make  flaves  of  their  oppref- 
fors,  and  continue  flavery  to  their  pofterity, 
it  would  look  rigorous  to  candid  men  :  but 
to  acl:  that  part  toward  a  people,  when  nei- 
ther they  nor  their  fathers  have  injured  us, 
hath  fomething  in  it  extraordinary,  and  re- 
quires our  ferious  attention. 

Our  children  breaking  a  bone  ;  getting  fo 
bruifed,  that  a  leg  or  an  arm  muft  be  taken 
off;  loft  for  a  few  hours,  fo  that  we  defpair 
of  their  being  found  again  ;  a  friend  hurt, 
fo  that  he  dieth  in  a  day  or  two  ;  thefe  move 
us  with  grief:  and  did  we  attend  to  thefe 

fcenes 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     319 

fcenes  in  Africa,  in  like  manner  as  if  they 
were  tranfacted  in  our  prefence  ;  and  fyrnpa- 
thife  with  the  Negroes,  in  all  their  afflictions 
and  miferies,  as  we  do  with  our  children  or 
friends  :  we  Ihould  be  more  careful  to  do  no- 
thing in  any  degree  helping  forward  a  trade 
productive  of  fo  many,  and  fo  great  calami- 
ties. Great  diftance  makes  nothing  in  our 

favour. To  willingly  join  with  unrighte- 

oufnefs,  to  the  injury  of  men  who  live  ibme 
thoufand  miles  off,  is  the  fame  in  fubftance, 
as  joining  with  it  to  the  injury  of  our  neigh- 
bours. 

In  the  eye  of  pure  juftice,  actions  are  re- 
garded according  to  the  fpirit  and  difpofition 
they  arife  from  :  fome  evils  are  accounted 
fcandalous,  ancl  the  deiire  of  reputation  may 
keep  felnfli  men  from  appearing  openly  in 
them  ;  but  he  who  is  my  on  that  account, 
and  yet  by  indirect  means  promotes  that 
evil,  and  {hares  in  the  profit  of  it,  cannot 
be  innocent. 

He  who,  with  a  view  to  felf-intereft,  buys 
a  {lave,  made  fo  by  violence,  and  only  on  the 
ftrength^of  fuch  purchafe  holds  him  a  Have, 
thereby  joins  hands  with  thofe  who  commit- 
ted that  violence,  and  in  the  nature  of  things 
becomes  chargeable  with  the  guilt. 

Suppole  a  man  wants  a  {lave,  and  being 
in  Guinea,  goes  and  hides  by  the  path  where 
boys  pafs  from  one  little  town  to  another,  and 
there  catches  one  the  day  he  expects  to  fail  ; 
and  taking  him  on  board,  brings  him  home, 
without  any  aggravating  circumftances.  Sup- 

pofe 


320    CONSIDERATIONS   ON  THE 

pole  another  buys  a  man,  taken  by  them. 
who  live  by  plunder  and  the  flave-trade  : 
they  often  ilcal  them  privately,  and  often 
fhed  much  blood  in  getting  them*  He  who 
buys  the  flaves  thus  taken,  pays  thofe  men  for 
their  wickednefs,  and  makes  himfelf  party 
with  them. 

Whatever  nicety  of  diftinction  there  may 
be,  betwixt  going  in  perfon  on  expeditions  to 
catch  flaves,  and  buying  thofe,  with  a  view 
to  felf-intereft,  which  others  have  taken  ;  it 
is  clear  and  plain  to  an  upright  mind,  that 
fuch  diftinction  is  in  words,  not  in  fub fiance ; 
for  the  parties  are  concerned  in  the  fame 
\vork,  and  have  a  neceflary  connection  with, 
and  dependance  on,  each  other;  for  were 
there  none  to  purchafe  flaves,  they  who  live 
by  Itealing  and  felling  them,  would  of  con- 
fequence  do  lefs  at  it. 

Some  would  buy  a  Negroe  brought  from 
Guinea,  with  a  view  to  felf-intereft,  and 
keep  him  a  Have,  who  yet  would  feem  to 
fcruple  to  take  arms,  and  join  with  men  em- 
ployed in  taking  flaves. 

Others  have  civil  Negroes,  who  were  born 
in  our  country,  capable  and  likely  to  ma- 
nage well  for  themfelves  ;  whom  they  keep 
as»  flaves,  without  ever  trying  them  with 
freedom,  and  take  the  profit  of  their  labour 
as  a  part  of  their  eftates,  and  yet  difap- 
prove  bringing  them  from  their  own  coun- 
try. 

If  thofe  Negroes  had  come  here,  as  mer- 
chants, with  their  ivory  and  gold  dull,  in 

order 


KEEPING    or    NEGROES.     321 

order  to  trade  with  us,  and  feme  po'.verful 
perfon  had  took  their  effects  to  himfelf,  and 
then  put  them  to  hard  Labour,  and  ever  after 
confiderecl  them  as  Have?,  the  adlion  would 
be  looked  upon  as  unrighteous. 

Thofe  Negroe  merchants  having  children 
after  their  being  among  us,  whofe  endow- 
ments and  conduct  were  like  other  people's  in 
common,  if  on  their  attaining  to  mature  age^ 
and  requeuing  to  have  their  liberty,  they 
fliould  be  told  they  were  born  in  ilavery, 
and  were  lawful  flaves,  and  therefore  their 
requefl  mould  be  denied  ;  fuch  conduct  to- 
ward them,  would  be  looked  upon  as  unfair 
and  oppreilive. 

In  the  prefent  cafe,  relating  to  home-born 
Negroes,  whofe  underflandings  and  behaviour 
are  as  good  as  common  among  other  people, 
if  we  have  any  claim  to  them  as  flaves,  that 
claim  is  grounded  on  their  being  the  chil- 
dren or  offspring  of  flavcs,  who,  in  general, 
were  made  iuch  through  mcaiis  as  unrighte- 
ous, and  attended  with  more  terrible  circum- 
flances  than  the  cafe  lail  fuppofed  ;  fo  that 
•when  we  trace  cur  claim  to  the  bottom,  thefe 
home-bom  Negroes  having  paid  for  their 
education,  and  given  rcafonable  fecurky  to 
thofe  who  owned  them,  in  cafe  of  their  be- 
coming chargeable,  \ve  have  no  more  equit- 
able right  to  their  fervice,  than  we  mould  if 
they  were  the  children  of  honefl  merchants 
who  came  from  Guinea  in  an  EflgKflx  velfel 
to  trade  with  us. 

y  if 


322    CONSIDERATIONS   ON   THE 

If  we  claim  any  right  to  them  as  the  chil- 
dren of  ilaves,  we  build  on  the  foundation 
laid  by  them,  who  made  flaves  of  their  an- 
ceftors  ;  fo  that  of  necemty  we  muft  either 
juflify  the  trade,  or  relinquifh  our  right  to 
them,  as  being  the  children  of  flaves! 

Why  mould  it  feem  right  to  honed  men  to 
make  advantage  by  thefe  people  more  than 
by  others  ?  Others  enjoy  freedom,  receive 
wages  equal  to  their  work,  at  or  near  fuch 
time  as  they  have  difcharged  thefe  equitable 
obligations  they  are  under  to  thofe  who  edu- 
cated them. Thefe  have  made  no  contract 

to  ferve  ;  been  no  more  expenfive  in  railing 
up  than  others,  and  many  of  them  appear  as 
likely  to  make  a  right  ufe  of  freedom  as  o- 
ther  people  ;  which  way  then  can  an  honefh 
man  withhold  from  them  that  liberty,  which 
is  the  free  gift  of  the  Moil  High  to  his  rati- 
onal creatures  ? 

THE  upright  in  heart  cannot  fucceed  the 
wicked  in  their  wickednefs  ;  nor  is  it  confo- 
nant  to  the  life  they  live,  to  hold  fafl  an  ad- 
vantage unjuflly  gained. 

The  Negroes  who  live  by  plunder,  and  the 
flave-trade,  (leal, poor  innocent  children,  in- 
vade their  neighbours  territories,  and  fpill 
much  blood  to  get  thefe  flaves  :  and  can  it 
be  pomble  for  an  hoiieft  man  to  think  that, 
with  a  view  to  felf-interefl,  we  may  continue 
flavery  to  the  offspring  of  thefe  unhappy 
fufferers,  merely  becaufe  they  are  the  chil- 
dren of  flaves,  and  not  have  a  lhare  of  this 
guilt  ?  It 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     3^3 

It  is  granted  by  many,  that  the  means  nled 
in  getting  them  are  unrighteous,  and  that 
buying  them,  when  brought  here,  is  wrong ; 
yet  as  fetting  them  free  is  attended  with  foine 
difficulty,  they  do  not  comply  with  it ;  but 
feem  to  be  of  the  opinion,  that  to  give  them 
food  and  raiment,  and  keep  them  fervarits, 
without  any  other  wages,  is  the  befl  way  to 
manage  them  that  they  know  of :  and  hoping 
that  their  children  after  them  will  not  be 
cruel  to  the  Negroes,  conclude  to  leave  them 
as  flaves  to  their  children. 

While  prefent  outward  interefl  is  the  chief 
object  of  our  attention,  we  mall  feel  many 
objections  in  our  minds  againft  renouncing 
our  claim  to  them,  as  the  children  of  flaves  ; 
for  being  prepofleiTed  with  wrong  opinions, 
prevents  our  feeing  things  clearly,  which, 
to  indifferent  perfons,  are  eafy  to  be  feen. 

Suppofe  a  perfon  feventy  years  paft,  in  low 
circumflances,  bought  a  Negroe  man  and 
woman,  and  that  the  children  of  fuch  perfon 
are  now  wealthy,  and  have  the  children  of 
fuch  flaves.  Admit  that  the  firft  Negroe  man 
and  his  wife  did  as  much  bufinefs  as  their 
matter  and  miflrefs,  and  that  the  children  of 
the  flaves  have  done  foine  more  than  their 
young  maflers  :  fuppofe,  on  the  whole,  that 
the  expence  of  living  has  been  lefs  oil  the 
Negroes  fide,  than  on  the  other  (all  which 
.are  no  improbable  fnppofitions)  it  follows, 
that  in  equity  thefe  Negroes  have  a  right  to  a 
part  of  this  increafe  ;  that  fhould  fome  diffi- 
culties arifc  on  their  being  fet  free,  there  is 
Y  2  reafoa 


324    CONSIDERATIONS  ON  THE 

reafon   for  us   patiently  to  labour  through 
them. 

As  the  conduct  of  men  varies,  relating  to 
civil  fociety  ;  fo  different  treatment  is  juilly 
due  to  them.  Indifcreet  men  occailon  trou- 
ble in  the  world  ;  and  it  remains  to  be  the 
care  of  iiich,  who  feek  the  good  of  mankind, 
to  admonifh  as  they  find  occafion. 

The  flothfulnefs  of  fome  of  them,  in  pro- 
viding for  themfelves  and  families,  it  is  like- 
ly, would  require  the  notice  of  their  neigh- 
bours ;  nor  is  it  unlikely  that  fbme  would, 
with  juftice,  be  made  fervants,  and  others 
punifhed  for  their  crimes.  Pure  juftice  points 
out  to  each  individual  their  due ;  but  to  de- 
ny a  people  the  privilege  of  human  creatures, 
on  a  fuppofition  that,  being  free,  many  of 
them  would  be  troublefome  to  us,  is  to  mix 
the  condition  of  good  and  bad  men  together, 
and  treat  the  whole  as  the  worft  of  them  de- 
ferve. 

If  we  ferioufly  confider,  that  liberty  is  the 
right  of  innocent  men  ;  that  the  mighty  God 
is  a  refuge  for  the  opprefled  ;  that  in  reality 
we  are  indebted  to  them  ;  that  they  being  fet 
free,  are  dill  liable  to  the  penalties  of  our 
laws,  and  as  likely  to  have  puniihment  for 
their  crimes  as  other  people  :  tin's  may  an- 
fwer  all  our  objections.  And  to  retain  them 
in  perpetual  fervitude,  without  juft  caufe  for 
it,  will  produce  effects,  in  the  event,  more 
grievous  than  fetting  them  free  would  do, 
when  a  real  love  to  truth  and  equity  was  the 
motive  to  it, 

Our 


KEEPING    OF    NEGROES.     325 

Our  authority  over  them  ftands  originally 
in  a  purchafe  -made  from  thofe  who,  as  to 
the  general,  obtained  theirs  by  unrighteouf- 
nefs.  Whenever  we  have  recourfe  to  fuch 
authority,  it  tends  more  or  lefs  to  obftrucl 
the  channels,  through  which  the  perfect 
plant  in  us  receives  nouriihment. 

There  is  a  principle,  which  is  pure,  placed 
in  the  human  mind,  which  in  different  places 
and  ages  hath  had  different  names;  it  is, 
however,  pure,  and  proceeds  from  God. — 
It  is  deep,  and  inward,  confined  to  no  forms 
of  religon,  nor  excluded  from  any,  where 
the  heart  {lands  in  perfect  fmcerity.  In 
whomfoever  this  takes  root,  and  grows,  of 
what  nation  foever,  they  become  brethren, 
in  the  befl  fenie  of  the  exprefhon.  Ufmg 
ourfelves  to  take  ways  which  appear  moil  ea- 
fy  to  us,  when  inconfiftent  with  that  purity 
.which  is  without  beginning,  we  thereby  fet 
up  a  government  of  our  own,  and  deny  obe- 
dience to  him,  whofe  fervice  is  true  liberty. 

He  that  hath  a  fervant,  made  fo/wrongful- 
ly,  and  knows  it  to  be  fo,  when  he  treats 
him  otherwife  than  a  free  man,  when  he 
reaps  the  benefit  of  his  labour,  without  pay- 
ing him  fuch  wages  as  are  reafonably  clue  to 
free  men  for  the  like  fervice,  cloaths  except- 
ed ;  thefe  things,  tho'  done  in  calmnefs, 
without  any  {hew  of  diforder,  do  yet  deprave 
the  mind  in  like  manner,  and  with  as  great 
certainty,  as  prevailing  cold  congeals  water. 
Thefe  fteps  taken  by  maflers,  and  their  cori- 
ducl;  {hiking  the  minds  of  their  children, 

whilft 


CONSIDERATIONS   ON   THE 

w.hilft  young,  leave  lefs  room  for  that  which 
is  good  to  work  upon  them.  The  cuftoms 
of  their  parents,  their  neighbours,  and  the 
people  with  whom  they  coiiverfe,  working 
upon  their  minds ;  and  they,  from  thence, 
conceiving  ideas  of  things,  and  modes  of 
conduct,  the  entrance  into  their  hearts  be- 
comes, in  a  great  meafure,  fhut  up  againfl 
the  gentle  movings  of  uncreated  purity. 

From  one  age  to  another,  the  gloom  grows 
thicker  and  darker,  till  error  gets  eftablifhed 
by  general  opinion  ;  that  whoever  attends  to 
perfect  goodnefs,  and  remains  under  the 
melting  influence  of  it,  finds  a  path  un- 
known to  many,  and  fees  the  neceflity  to  lean 
upon  the  arm  of  divine  ftrength,  and  dwell 
alone,  or  with  a  few,  in  the  right  commit- 
ting their  caufe  to  him,  who  is  a  refuge  for 
his  people,  in  all  their  troubles. 

Where,  through  the  agreement  of  a  mul- 
titude, fome  channels  of  juftice  are  flopped, 
and  men  may  fupport  their  characters  as  jufl 
men,  by  being  jufl  to  a  party,  there  is  great 
danger  of  contracting  an  alliance  with  that 
fpirit,  which  Hands  in  oppoiitioii  to  the  God 
of  love,  and  fpreads  difcord,  trouble,  and 
vexation  among  fuch  who  give  up  to  the  in- 
fluence of  it. 

Negroes  are  our  fellow  creatures,  and  their 
prefent  condition  amongft  us  requires  our 
ferious  coniideration.  We  know  not  the 
time  when  thofe  fcales,  in  which  mountains 
are  weighed,  may  turn.  The  Parent  of 
mankind  is  gracious  ;  his  care  is  over  his 

fmallefl 


KEEPING    OP    NEGROES.    527 

fmalleft  creatures  ;  and  a  multitude  of  men 
cfcape  not  his  notice :  And  though  many  of 
them  are  trodden  down,  and  defpifed,  yet 
he  remembers  them  ;  he  feeth  their  affliction, 
and  looketh  upon  the  fpreading  increafing 
exaltation  of  the  oppreflbr.  He  turns  the 
channels  of  power,  humbles  themofl  haughty 
people,  and  gives  deliverance  to  the  opprefr 
fed,  at  fuch  periods  as  are  confiftent  with  his 
infinite  juftice  and  goodnefs.  And  wherever 
gain  is  preferred  to  equity,  and  wrong  things 
publickly  encouraged  to  that  degree,  that 
wickednefs  takes  root,  and  ipreads  wide  a<- 
mongfl  the  inhabitants  of  a  country,  there 
is  real  caufe  for  forrow  to  all  fuch,  whofe 
love  to  mankind  ftands  on  a  true  principle, 
and  who  wifely  confider  the  end  and  event 
.of  things. 


F      I      N      IS, 


CONSIDERATIONS 

O   N 
PURE  WISDOM,  AND  HUMAN  POLICY; 

O  N 
L       A       B       O     ,U       R; 

O  N 
SCHOOLS; 

on  the  RIGHT  USE  of  the 

LORD'S     OUTWARD     GIFTS. 

Firft  printed  in  the  year   1768. 


The  ivifdor-i  tb.it  ij  from  above,  is  frjl  pure, 
then  peaceable ,  gentle,  and  ccfy  to  be  intreatcd, 
full  of  mercy,  cud  rcod  fruits,  ^without  partia- 
lity,  and  ivitkatt  hypocrify. 


INTRODUCTION. 

"fr/lY  r.ii'.id  hath  often  been  afficled  ivith  for- 
*  *•*•  roii\  on  account  of  the  prevailing  of  that 
fpirit)  ivhich  Lads  from  an  humble  <waiti;( 
the  inivard  teaching  of  Chrift^   to  purfue  T. 
'living,    attended   ii'it/j   unnecejjary  lac. 
j.xd  i^bich  draws  Jqrth  the  r.inuls  of  many  peo- 


INTRODUCTION.     329 

pie  to  feek  after  outward  power,  and  to  ftrive 
for  riches,  which  frequently  introduce  oppreffton, 
find  bring  forth  ivars  and  grievous  calamities. 

It  is  with  reverence  that  I  acknowledge  the 
mercies  of  our  heavenly  Father,  •who,  in  infinite 
love,  did  vifit  me  in  my  youth,  and  -wrought  a 
belief  in  me,  that  through  true  obedience  a  ft  ate 
of  inward  purity  may  be  known  in  this  life,  in 
which  we  may  love  mankind  in  the  fame  love 
•with  which  our  Redeemer  loveth  us,  and  there- 
in learn  refignation  to  endure  hardjhips,  for  the 
real  good  of  others. 

"  While  the  eye  is  finale,  the  'whole  body  is 
"  full  of  light,"  Mat.  vi.  22.  but  for  want  of 
this,  felfjh  defires,  and  an  imaginary  fuperiori- 
ty,  darken  the  mind ;  hence  injujlice  frequently 
proceeds  ;  and  'where  this  is  the  cafe,  to  con- 
vince the  judgment,  is  the  mojl  effectual  remedy. 

IV here  violent  meafures  are  purfued  in  oppoftng 
iujujlice,  the  pajfions,  and  refentments  of  the  in- 
jured, frequently  operate  in  the  profecution  of 
their  defigns ;  and  after  conflicts  productive  of 
•very  great  calamities,    the  minds  of  contending 
•parties  often  remain  as  little  acquainted  with 
the  pure  principle  of  divine  love,  as  they  were 
•  before ;    but   'where  people   walk   in  that  pure 
light  in  which  all  their    "  works  are  wrought 
'  in  God,"  John  iii.  21,  and  under  oppreffion 
perfevere   in  the  meek  fpirit,  and  abide  firm  in 
the  caufe  of  truth,   without  actively  complying 
•with    opprefjlve  demands,     through    thofe    the 
Lord  hath  often  manifejled  his  power,  in  open- 
ing the  under  [landings  of  others,  to  the  promot- 
right eoufnefs  in  the  earth. 

A 


330    INTRODUCTION. 

A  time,  I  believe ,  is  coming,  •wherein  this 
divine  'work  'will  fo  fpread  and  prevail,  that 
"  Nation Jh all  not  lift  upfword  againft  nation, 
**  nor  learn  •war  any  more,"  Ifaiah  ii.  4.  And 
4s  *we,  through  the  tender  mercies  of  God,  do 
feel  that  this  precious  'work  is  begun,  I  am  con- 
cerned to  encourage  my  brethren  and  lifters  in  a 
holy  care  and  diligence,  that  each  of  us  may  fo 
live,  under  the  fancJifying  po'wer  of  truth,  as 
to  be  redeemed  from  all  unnecejfary  cares  ;  that 
cur  eye  being  fingle  to  him,  no  cuftoms,  however 
prevalent,  'which  are  contrary  to  the  'wifdom 
from  above,  may  hinder  us  from  faithfully  fol- 
lowing his  holy  leadings,  in  whatfoever  he  may 
gracioujly  appoint  for  us. 


CON- 


CONSIDERATIONS 

O  N 
PURE       WISDOM, 

AND 

HUMAN     POLICY; 


TO  have  our  truft  fettled  in  the  Lord, 
and  not  to  feek  after,  nor  defire  out- 
ward treafures,  any  further  than  his 
holy  fpirit  leads  us  therein,  is  a  happy  flate, 
as  faith  the  prophet,  "  Bleffed  is  the  man 
"  that  trufteth  in  the  Lord,  and  whofe  hope 
*'  the  Lord  is." 

Pure  wifdom  leads  people  into  lowlinefs  of 
mind,  in  which  they  learn  refignatioii  to  the 
divine  will,  and  contentment  in  fuffering  for 
his  caufe,  when  they  cannot  keep  a  clear  con- 
fcience  without  fuffering. 

In  this  pure  wifdom  the  mind  is  attentive 
to  the  root,  and  original  fpring  of  motions 
and  defires ;  and  as  we  know  "  the  Lord  to 
"  be  our  refuge,"  and  find  no  fafety,  but  in 
humbly  walking  before  him  ;  we  feel  an  holy 
engagement,  that  every  defire  which  leads 
therefrom  may  be  brought  to  judgment. 

While  we  proceed  in  this  precious  way, 
and  find  ardent  longings  for  a  full  deliverance 

from 


332     ON     PURE     WISDOM, 

from  every  thing  which  defiles,  all  profpecls 
of  gain,  that  are  not  confident  with  the  wif- 
dom  from  above,  are  confidcred  as  fnares, 
and  an  inward  concern  is  felt,  that  we  may 
live  under  the  crofs,  and  faithfully  attend  to 
that  holy  fpirit,  which  is  fufficieiit  to  pre- 
ferve  out  of  them. 

When  I  have  confidered  that  faying  of 
Chrift,  Mat.  vi.  19,  "  Lay  not  up  for  your- 
.*•'  felves  treafures  upon  earth,"  his  omnipo- 
tence hath  often  occurred  to  my  mind. 

While  we  believe  that  he  is  every  where 
prefent  with  his  people,  and  that  perfect 

foodnefs,  wifdom  and  power,  are  united  in 
im,  how  comfortable  is  the  coniideration. 
Our  wants  may  be  great,  but  his  power 
is  greater.  We  may  be  opprefled  and  defpif^ 
ed,  but  he  is  able  to  turn  our  patient  furFer- 
ings  into  profit  to  ourfelves,  and  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  his  work  on  earth,  His 
people,  who  feel  the  power  of  his  crofs,  to 
crucify  all  that  is  felrllh  in  them,  who  are 
engaged  in  outward  concerns,  from  a  con- 
vincement  that  it  is  their  duty,  and.  reiign 
themfelves,  and  their  treafures,  to  him  ;  thefe 
feel  that  it  is  dangerous  to  give  way  to  that 
;n  us,  which  craves  riches  and  greatnefs  in 
this  world. 

As  the  heart  truly  contrite,  earneflly  de-» 
fires  "  to  know  Chrift,  and  the  feilowmip 
"  of  his  fuftcrings,"  Phil.  iii.  10,  fo  far  as 
the  Lord  for  gracious  ends  may  lead  into 
them  ;  as  fuch  feel  that  it  is  their  interefl  to 
put  their  trull  in  God,  and  to  feek  no  gain 


AND    HUMAN   POLICY.    333 

but  that  which  he,  by  his  holy  fpirit,  leads 
into  ;  fb,  on  the  contrary,  they  who  do  not 
reverently  wait  for  this  divine  teacher,  and 
are  not  humbly  concerned,  according  to  their 
meafure,  "  to  fill  up  that  which  is  behind  of 
"  the  afflictions  of  Chrift,"  Col.  i.  24,  in 
patiently  furTering  for  the  promoting  righte- 
oufnefs  in  the  earth  ;  but  have  an  eye  toward 
the  power  of  men,  and  the  outward  advan- 
tage of  wealth,  thefe  are  often  attentive  to 
thofe  employments  which  appear  profitable, 
even  though  the  gains  arife  from  fuch  trade 
and  bufineis  which  proceeds  from  the  work- 
ings of  that  fpirit,  which  is  eflranged  from 
the  fclf-denying  life  of  an  humble  contrite 
chriilian. 

While  I  write  on  this  fubjedl,  I  feel  my 
mind  tenderly  affected  toward  thofe  honeftly 
difpofed  people,  who  have  been  brought  up 
in  employments  attended  with  thole  diffr* 
culties. 

-  To  fuch  I  may  fay,  in  the  feeling  of  our 
heavenly  Father's  love,  and  number  myfelf 
with  you,  O  that  our  eyes  may  be  fingle  to 
the  Lord!  may  we  reverently  wait  on  him 
for  flrength,  to  lay  afide  all  umiecefTary  ex- 
pence  of  every  kind,  and  learn  contentment, 
in  a  plain  fimple  life. 

May  we,  in  lowlinefs,  fubmit  to  the  lead- 
ings of  his  fpirii:,  and  enter  upon  any  out- 
ward employ  which  he  gracioufly  points  out 
to  us,  and  then  whatever  difficulties  arife,  in 
confequence  of  our  faithful nefs,  I  truft  the^- 
will  work  for  our  good. 

Small 


334     ON    PURE    WISDOM, 

Small  treafure  to  a  refigned  mind  is  fuffi- 
cient.  How  happy  is  it  to  be  content  with 
a  little,  to  live  in  humility,  and  feel  that  in 
us,  which  breathes  out  this  language,  Abba ! 
Father. 

If  that,  called  the  wifdom  of  this  world, 
had  no  refemblance  of  true  wifdoin,  the  name 
of  wifdom,  I  fuppofe,  had  not  been  given 
to  it. 

As  wafting  outward  fubftance,  to  gratify 
vain  defires,  on  one  hand  ;  fo  flothfulnefs 
and  neglect,  on  the  other,  do  often  involve 
men  and  their  families  in  trouble,  and  reduce 
them  to  want  and  diftrefs  ;  to  fliun  both  thefe 
oppofite  vices*  is  good  in  itfelf,  and  hkth  a 
refemblance  of  wifdom;  but  while  people 
thus  provident,  have  it  principally  in  view  to 
get  riches,  and  power,  and  the  friendfhip  of 
this  world,  and  do  not  humbly  wait  for  the 
fpirit  of  truth  to  lead  them  in  purity  ;  thefe, 
through  an  anxious  care  to  obtain  the  end 
defired,  reach  forth  for  gain  in  worldly  wif- 
dom, and,  in  regard  to  their  inward  ftate, 
fall  into  divers  temptations  and  fnares.  And 
though  fuch  may  think  of  applying  wealth 
to  good  purpofes,  and  to  ufe  their  power  to 
prevent  oppremon,  yet  wealth  and  power  is 
often  applied  otherwife;  nor  can  we  depart 
from  the  leadings  of  our  holy  ihepherd,  with- 
out going  into  confufion. 

Great  wealth  is  frequently  attended  with 
power,  which  nothing  but   divine   love  can 
qualify  the  mind  to  ufe  rightly  ;    and  as  to 
the  humility,   and  uprightnefs  of  our  chil- 
dren 


AND  HUMAN    POLICY.    335 

dren  after  us,  how  great  is  the  uncertainty ! 
If,  in  acquiring  wealth,  we  take  hold  on  the 
wifdom  which  is  from  beneath,  and  depart 
from  the  leadings  qf  truth,  and  example  our 
children  herein,  we  have  great  caufe  to  ap>- 
prehend,  that  wealth  may  be  a  fnare  to 
them  ;  and  prove  an  injury  to  others,  over 
whom  their  wealth  may  give  them  power. 

To  be  redeemed  from  that  wifdom  which 
is  from  beneath,  and  walk  in  the  light  of  the 
Lord,  is  a  precious  fituation ;  thus  his  people 
are  brought  to  put  their  truft  in  him  ;  and  in 
this  humble  confidence  in  his  wifdom,  good- 
nefs  and  power,  the  righteous  find  a  refuge 
in  adverfities,  fuperior  to  the  greatefl  out- 
ward helps,  and  a  comfort  more  certain  than 
any  worldly  advantages  can  afford. 


ON     LABOUR. 

HAVING  from  my  childhood  been  ufed 
to  bodily  labour  for  a  living,  I  may 
exprefs  my  experience  therein. 

Right  exercife  affords  an  innocent  pleafure 
in  the  time  of  it,  and  prepares  us  to  enjoy 
the  fWeetnefs  of  refl ;  but  from  the  extremes 
each  way,  arife  inconveniences. 

Moderate  exercife  opens  the  pores,  gives 
the  blood  a  lively  circulation,  and  the  better 
enables  us  to  judge  rightly  refpedling  that 
portion  of  labour  which  is  the  true  medium. 

"  The 


336  O  N    L  A  13  O  U  R. 

"  The  fowls  of  the  air  fow  not,  nor  gather 
*'  into  barns,  yet  our  heavenly  Father  feed- 
"  eth  them,"  Mat.  vi.  26  ;  nor  do  I  believe 
that  infinite  goodnefs  and  power  would  have 
allotted  labour  to  iis^  had  he  not  feen  that  la- 
bour was  proper  for  us  in  this  life. 

The  original  defign,  and  true  medium  of 
labour,  is  a  fubjecl,  that,  to  me,  appears 
worthy  of  our  ferious  conlideration. 

Idle  men  are  often  a  burden  to  themfelves^ 
Jiegle6l  the  duty  they  owe  to  their  families^ 
and  become  burdenfome  to  others  alfo. 

As  outward  labour,  directed  by  the  wif- 
dom  from  above,  tends  to  our  health,  and 
adds  to  our  happinefs  in  this  life  ;  fo,  on  the 
contrary,  entering  upon  it  in  a  felfiftx  fpiritj 
and  purfuing  it  too  long,  or  too  hard,  hath 
a  contrary  efFecl:. 

I  have  obferved,  that  too  much  labour  not 
only  makes  the  underfhanding  dull,  but  fo 
intrudes  upon  the  harmony  of  the  body,  that 
after  ceafing  from  our  toil,  we  have  another 
to  pafs  through,  before  we  can  be  fo  com- 
pofed  as  to  enjoy  the  fweetnefs  of  reft. 

From  too  much  labour  in  the  heat,  fre- 
quently proceeds  immoderate  fweats,  which 
do  often,  I  believe,  open  the  way  for  difor-* 
ders,  and  impair  our  conflitutions. 

When  we  go  beyond  the  true  -medium, 
atid  feel  wearinefs  approaching,  but  think 
bufinefs  may  fuffer  if  we  ceafe,  at  fuch  a 
time  fpirituous  liquors  are  frequently  taken, 
with  a  view  to  fuppori:  nature  under  thefe 
fatigues,  I  have 


ON    LABOUR.  337 

I  have  found  that  too  much  labour  in  the 
fummer  heats  the  blood,  that  taking  ftrong 
idrink  to  fupport  the  body  under  liich  labour^ 
increafeth  that  heat,  and  though  a  perfon 
may  be  fo  far  temperate  as  not  to  manifeft  the 
leaft  diforder,  yet  the  mind,  in  fuch  a  cir- 
cumftance,  doth  not  retain  that  calmnefs  and 
ferenky,  which  we  mould  endeavour  to  live 
in. 

Thus  toiling  in  the  heat,  and  drinking 
ftrong  liquor,  makes  men  more  refolute,  and 
lefs  confiderate,  and  tends'  very  much  to  dif- 
qualify  from  fuccersfully  following  him  who 
is  meek  and  low  of  heart. 

As  laying  out  bufinefs,  more  than  is  con- 
fiftent  with  pure  wifdom,  is  an  evil,  fo  this 
evil  frequently  leads  into  more.  Too  much 
bufinefs  leads  to  hurry.  In  the  hurry  and 
toil  too  much  ftrong  drink  ^is  often  ufed,  and 
hereby  many  proceed  to  noife  and  wanton- 
nefs,  and  fome,  tho'  more  confiderate,  do 
often  fuffer  lofs,  as  to  a  true  compofednefs  of 
mind. 

I  feel  fmcere  defires  in  my  heart  that  no 
rent,  nor  intereft,  might  be  laid  fo  high  as 
to  be  a  fnare  to  tenants.  That  no  defires  of 
gain  may  draw  any  too  far  in  bufinefs.  That 
no  cares  to  fupport  cuftoms,  which  have  ndt 
their  foundation  in  pure  wifdom,  may  have 
place  in  our  minds,  but  that  we  may  build 
on  the  fure  foundation,  and  feel  our  holy 
fhepherd  to  lead  us,  who  alone  is  able  to  pre- 
lerve  us,  and  bring  forth  from  every  thing 
which  defiles. 

£  Having 


,333  ON     LABOUR. 

Having  feveral  times,  in  my  travels,  had 
opportunity  to  obferve  the  labour  and  man- 
ner of  life  of  great  numbers  of  Haves,  it  ap- 
pears to  me  that  the  true  medium  is  lament- 
ably neglected  by  many,  who  aiTign  them 
their  portion  of  labour. 

Without  faying  much  at  this  time,  con- 
.cerning  buying  and  felling  men  for  term  of 
life,  who  have  as  juft  a  right  to  liberty  as  we 
have  ;  nor  about  the  great  miferies,  and  ef- 
fufion  of  blood,  confequent  to  promoting  the 
flave-trade  ;  and  to  fpeak  as  favourably  as 
may  be,  with  regard  to  continuing  thofe  in 
bondage  who  are  amongft  us,  we  cannot  fay 
there  is  no  partiality  in  it :  for  whatever  ten- 
dernefs  may  be  manifefted  by  individuals  in 
their  life  ti^ne  toward  them,  yet  for  people 
to  be  tranfmitted  from  a  man  to  his  pofterity, 
in  the  helplefs  condition  of  Haves,  appears 
inconfiftent  with  the  nature  of  the  gofpel  fpi- 
rit.  From  fuch  proceedings  it  often  follows, 
that  perfons  in  the  decline  of  life,  are  de- 
prived of  monies  equitably  clue  to  them,  and 
committed  to  the  care,  and  fubjected  to  the 
abfolute  power  of  young  unexperienced  men, 
who  know  but  little  about  the  weaknefs  o£ 
old  age,  nor  underftand  the  language  of  de- 
clining life. 

Where  parents  give  their  eflates  to  their 
children,  and  then  depend  on  them  for  a 
maintenance,  they  fometimes  meet  with  great 
inconveniences  ;  but  if  the  power  of  pofTef- 
fion,  thus  obtained,  doth  often  reverie  the 
obligations  of  gratitude  and  filial  duty,  and 

makes 


ON     L  A  B  O  U  R.  339 

makes  manifeft,  that  youth  are  often  igno- 
rant of  the  language  of  old  age,  how  hard  is 
the  cafe  of  antient  Negroes,  who,  deprived 
of  the  wages  equitably  due  to  them,  are  left 
to  young  people,  who  have  been  ufed  to  look 
upon  them  as  their  inferiors. 

For  men  to  behold  the  fruits  of  their  labour 
withheld  from' them,  and  pofleflfed  by  others j- 
and  in  old  age  find  themfelves  deftitute  of 
thofe  comfortable  accommodations,  and  that 
tender  regard  which  their  time  of  life  re- 
quires : 

When  they  feel  pains,  and  ftiffnefs  iii  their 
joints  and  limbs,  weaknefs  of  appetite,  and 
that  a  little  labour  is  wearifome,  and  frill  be- 
hold themfelves  in  the  neglected  uncomfort- 
able condition  of  a  (lave,  and  oftentimes  to 
a  young  unfympathifing  man  : 

For  men  to  be  thus  treated  from  one  gene- 
ration to  another,  who,  befides  their  own 
diftreiTes,  think  on  the  flavery  entailed  on. 
-their  pofterity,  and  are  grieved  !  what  dif- 
agreeable  thoughts  muft  they  have  of  the 
profefled  followers  of  Jefus-!  and  how  muft; 
their  groans  aicend  to  -that  almighty  being,, 
who  "  will  be  a  refuge  for  the  oppreiiecl/" 
Pfalm  ix.  9.  . 


fc    2  O 


t   340  I 

ON     SCHOOLS. 

Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and 
forbid  ihsm  not,  for  offuch  is  the  kingdom  of 
God,  Mark.  x.   14. 

TO  encourage  children  to  do  things  with 
a  view  to  get  praife  of  men,  to  me  ap- 
pears an  obftruction  to  their  being  inwardly 
acquainted  with  the  fpirit  of  truth.  For  it 
is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  direct  the 
mind  to  God,  that  in  all  our  proceedings 
we  may  have  a  iingle  eye  to  him.  To  give 
alms  in  fecret,  to  fail  in  fecret,  and  labour 
to  keep  clear  of  that  difpofition  reproved  by 
our  Saviour,  "  But  all  their  works  they  do 
"  for  to  be  feen  of  men."  Matt,  xxiii.  5. 

That  divine  light  which  enlightens  all  men, 
I  believe,  does  often  fhine  in  the  minds  of 
children  very  early,  and  to  humbly  wait  for 
wifclom,  that  our  conduct  toward  them  may 
tend  to  forward  their  acquaintance  with  it, 
and  flrengthen  them  in  obedience  thereto, 
appears  to  me  tov  be  a  duty  on  all  of  us. 

By  cheriiliing  the  fpirit  of  pride,  and  the 
love  of  praife  in  theix*,  I  believe  they  may 
fometimes  improve  fafter  in  learning,  than 
otherwife  they  would,  but  to  take  meafures 
to  forward  children  in  learning,  which  na- 
turally tend  to  divert  their  minds  from  true 
humility,  appears  to  me  to  favour  of  the  wif- 
flom  of  this  world. 

If 


ON     SCHOOLS.  341 

If  tutors  are  not  acquainted  with  fanclifi- 
cation  of  fpirit,  nor  experienced  in  an  hum- 
ble waiting  for  the  leadings  of  truth,  but 
follow  the  maxims  of  the  wifdom  of  this 
world,  fuch  children  who  are  under  their  tu- 
ition, appear  to  me  to  be  in  danger  of  im- 
bibing thoughts,  and  appreheniions,  reverie 
to  that  meeknefs,  and  lowlinefs  of  heart, 
which  is  necelTary  for  all  the  true  followers 
of  Chriil. 

Children  at  an  age  fit  for  fchools,  are  in  a 
time  of  life  which  requires  the  patient  atten- 
tion of  pious  people,  and  if  we  commit  them 
to  the  tuition  of  fuch,  whofe  minds  we  be- 
lieve are  not  rightly  prepared  to  "  train  them 
"  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
"  Lord,"  we  are  in  clanger  of  not  acling  the 
part  of  faithful  parents  toward  them  ;  for 
our  heavenly  father  doth  not  require  us  to 
do  evil,  that  good  may  come  of  it ;  and  it  is 
needful  that  we  deeply  examine  ourfelves, 
left  we  get  entangled  in  the  wifdom  of  this 
world,  and,  through  wrong  apprehenfions, 
take  fuch  methods  in  education,  as  may 
prove  a  great  injury  to  the  minds  of  our 
children. 

It  is  a  lovely  fight  to  behold  innocent  chil- 
dren !  and  when  they  are  fent  to  fuch  fchools 
'where  their  tender  minds  are  in  imminent 
danger  of  being  led  aftray  by  tutors,  who  do 
not  live  a  felf-denying  life,  or  by  the  conver- 
fation  of  fuch  children  who  do  not  live  in 
innocence,  it  is  a  cafe  much  to  be  lamented. 


342  ON     SCHOOLS. 

While  a  pious  tutor  hath  the  charge  of  np 
more  children  than  he  can  take  due  care  of, 
and  keeps  his  authority  in  the  truth,  the 
good  fpirit  in  which  he  leads  and  governs, 
works  on  the  minds  of  fuch  who  are  not  hard- 
ened, and  his  labours  not  only  tend  to  bring 
them  forward  in  outward  learning,  but  to 
open  their  understandings  with  refpect  to 
the  true  chriftian  life  ;  but  where  a  perfcn 
hath  charge  of  too  many,  and  his  thoughts 
and  time  are  fo  much  employed  in  the  out- 
ward affairs  of  his  fchool,  that  he  does  not 
fo  weightily  attend  to  the  fpirit  and  conduct 
of  each  individual,  as  to  be  enabled  to  admi- 
nifler  rightly  to.  all  in  due  feafon  ;  through 
fuch  omiifipn  he  not  only  fuffers,  as  to  the 
ftate  of  his  own  mind,  but  the  minds  of  the 
children  are  in  danger  of  fuffering  alfo. 

To  watch  the  fpirit  of  children,  to  nurture 
them  in  gofpel  love,  and  labour  to  help  them 
againfl  that  which  would  mar  the  beauty  of 
their  minds,  is  a  debt  we  owe  them  ;  and  a 
faithful  performance  of  pur  duty,  not  only 
tends  to  their  lalting  benefit,  and  our  own 
peace,  but  alfo  to  render  thjeir  company  a- 
greeable  to  us. 

Inftruclion,  thus  adminiflered,  reaches 
the  pure  witnefs  in  the  minds  of  fuch  chil^ 
clren  who  are  not  hardened,  and  begets  love 
in  them  toward  thofe  who  thus  lead  them  on ; 
but  where  too  great  a  number  are  committed 
to  a  tutor,  and  he,  through  much  cumber, 
omits  a  careful  attention  to  the  minds  of  chil- 
dren % 


ON     SCHOOLS.  343 

dren,  there  is  danger  of  diforders  gradually 
increasing  amongft  them,  till  the  effects  there- 
of appear  in  their  conduct,  too  flrong  to  be 
eafily  remedied. 

A  care  hath  lived  on  my  mind,  that  more 
time  might  be  epaployed  by  parents  at  home, 
and  by  tutors  at  fchool,  in  weightily  attend- 
ing to  the  fpirit  and  inclinations  of  children, 
and  that  we  may  fo  lead,  inftrucl,  and  go- 
vern them,  in  this  tender  part  of  life,  that 
nothing  may  be  omitted  in  our  power,  to 
help  them  on  their  way  to  become  the  chil- 
dren of  our  father,  who  is  in  heaven. 

Meditating  on  the  fituation  of  fchools  in 
our  provinces,  my  mind  hath,  at  times,  been 
affecled  with  forrow,  and  under  thefe  exer- 
cifes  it  hath  appeared  to  me,  that  if  thofe 
who  have  large  eftates,  were  faithful  (lew- 
ads,  and  laid  no  renp,  nor  interefl,  nor  other 
demand,  higher  than  is  conflftent  with  uni- 
verfal  love  ;  and  thofe  in  lower  circumftan- 
ces  would,  under  a  moderate  employ,  fhun 
unnecellary  expence,  even  to  the  f mailed  ar- 
ticle ;  and  all  unite  in  humbly  feeking  to  the 
Lord,  he  woukl  graciouily  inftrucl  us,  and 
ftrengthen  us,  to  relieve  the  youth  from, 
various  fnares,  in  which  many  of  them  are 
entangled. 


[     344     } 

On  the  R  i  G  H  T  U  s  E  of  the  L  O  R  D  $ 

OUTWARD   GIFTS. 

AS  our  underftandings  are  opened  by  the 
pure  light,  we  experience  tha.t}  through 
an  inward  approaching  to  God,  the  mind  is 
ftrengthened  in  obedience  ;  and  that  by  gra- 
tifying thofe  deiires  which  are  not  of  his  be- 
getting, thofe  approaches  to  him  are  obftrucl- 
ed,  and  the  deccivable  fpirit  gains  ftrength. 

Thefe  truths,  being  as  it  were  engraven 
upon  our  hearts,  and  our  everlafiing  intereft 
in  Clirill  evidently  concerned  herein,  we  be- 
come fervently  engaged,  that  nothing  may 
be  nouriihed.  which  tends  to  feed  pride  or 
felf-love  in  us.  Thus  in  pure  obedience,  we 
are  not  only  inftrudted  in  our  duty  to  God, 
but  alib  in  the  affairs  which  neceilarily  re- 
late to  this  life,  and  the  ipirit  of  truth  which 
guides  into  all  truth,  leavens  the  mind  with 
a  pious  concern,  that  "  whatfoever  we  do  in 
*  word  or  deed,  may  be  done  in  his  name," 
Col.  iii.  i  -. 

Hence  fuch  buildings,  furniture,  food,  and 
raiment,  as  beft  ahfwer  our  neceflities,  and 
are  the  leaft  likely  to  feed  that  feififh  ipirit 
which  is  our  enemy,  are  the  moft  acceptable 
to  us. 

In  this  flate  the  mind  is  tender,  and  in- 
wardly watchful,  that  the  love  of  gain  draw 
us  not  into  any  bufmefs,  which  may  weaken 
cur"  love  to  our  heavenly  father,  or  bring  uii- 
neceiTary  trouble  to  any  of  his  creatures. 

Thus 


ON  THE  RIGHT  USE,  &c.     345 

Thus  the  way  gradually  opens  to  ceafe 
from  that  fpirit  which  craves  riches  and  things 
fetched  far,  which  fo  mixeth  with  the  cuf- 
toms  of  this  world,  and  fo  intrudes  upon 
the  true  harmony  of  life,  that  the  right  me- 
dium, of  labour  is  very  much  departed  from. 
And  as  the  minds  of  people  are  fettled  in  a 
fteady  concern,  not  to  hold  nor  poflefs  any 
thing  but  what  may  be  held  conliflent  with 
the  wifdom  from  above,  they  conlider  what 
they  poifefs  as  the  gift  of  God,  and  are  in- 
wardly exercifed,  that  in  all  parts  of  their 
conducl  they  may  act  agreeable  to  the  nature 
of  the  peaceable  government  of  Chrift. 

A  little  fupports  fuch  a  life  ;  and  in  a  ftate 
truly  refigned  to  the  Lord,  the  eye  is  fingle, 
to  fee  what  outward  employ  he  leads  into, 
as  a  means  of  our  fubfiftence,  and  a  lively 
care  is  maintained  to  hold  to  that  without 
launching  further. 

There  is  a  harmony  in  the  feveral  parts  of 
this  divine  work  in  the  hearts  of  people  ; 
he  who  leads  them  to  ceafe  from  thofe  gain- 
ful  employments,  carried  on  in  that  wiidom 
which  is  from  beneath,  delivers  alfo  from  the 
deiire  after  worldly  greatnefs,  and  reconciles 
the  mind  to  a  life  fo  plain,  that  a  little  doth 
fumce. 

Here  the  real  comforts  of  life  are  not  lef- 
fened.  Moderate  exercife,  in  the  way  of  true 
wifdom,  is  pleafant  both  to  mind  and  body. 

Food  and  raiment  fufFicient,  though  in  the 
greatefl  limplicity,  is  accepted  with,  content 
gratitude. 

The 


346    ON  THE  RIGHT  USE  OF  THE 

The  mutual  love,  fubfifling  between  the 
faithful  followers  of  Chrift,  is  more  pure  than 
that  friendihip  which  is  not  feafoned  with 
humility,  how  fpecious  foever  the  appear- 
ance. 

Where  people  depart  from  pure  wifdom  in 
one  cafe,  it  is  often  an  introduction  to  depart 
from  it  in  many  more  ;  and  thus  a  fpirit 
which  feeks  for  outward  greatnefs,  and  leads 
into  worldly  wifdom  to  attain  it,  and  fupport 
it,  gets  porTerTioii  of  the  mind. 

In  beholding  the  cuflomary  departure  from 
the  true  medium  of  labour,  and  that  unne-r 
ceiTary  toil  which  many  go  through,  in  fup- 
porting  outward  greatnefs,  and  procuring 
delicacies  : 

In  beholding  Jiow  the  true  calmnefs  of  life 
is  changed  into  hurry,  and  thflt  many,  by 
eagerly  purfuing  outward  treafure,  are  in 
great  danger  of  withering  as  to  the  inward 
ilate  of  the  mind : 

In  meditating  on  the  works  of  this  fpirit, 
and  on  the  defoliations  it  makes  amongft  the 
profeffors  of  chriftianity,  I  may  thankfully 
acknowledge,  that  I  often  feel  pure  love  be- 
get longings  in  my  heart,  for  the  exaltation 
of  the  peaceable  kingdom  of  Chrift,  and  an 
engagement  to  labour  according  to  the  gift 
bellowed  on  me,  for  the  promoting  an  hum- 
ble, plain,  temperate  way  of  living  :  a  life 
where  no  unneceflary  cares,  nor  expences, 
may  encumber  our  minds,  nor  lefTen  our  a- 
bility  to^.cio  good  ;  where  no  dcfires  after 
riches,  or  greatnefs,  may  lead  into  hard  deal- 
ing i 


LORD'S  OUTWARD  GIFTS. 

ing  ;  where  no  connections  with  wordly 
minded  men,  may  abate  our  love  to  God, 
nor  weaken  a  true  zeal  for  righteoufnefs  :  a 
life,  wherein  we  may  diligently  labour  for 
refignednefs  to  do,  and  fufFer,  whatever  our 
heavenly  father  may  allot  for  us,  in  recon- 
ciling the  world  to  himfelf. 

When  the  prophet  Ifaiah  had  uttered  his 
vifion,  and  declared  that  a  time  was  coming 
wherein  "  fwords,  mould,  be  beat  into  plow- 
u  fhares,  and  fpears  into  pruning  hooks,  and 
*'  that  nation  fliould  not  lift  up  fword  againft 
"  nation,  nor  learn  war  any  more  ;"  he  im- 
mediately directs  the  minds  of  people  to  the 
divine  teacher,  in  this  remarkable  language, 
"  O  houfe  of  Jacob,  come  ye  and  let  us  walk 
"  in  the  light  of  the  Lord,"  Ifaiah  ii.  5. 

To  wait  for  the  direction  of  this  light,  in 
all  temporal  as  well  as  fpiritual  concerns,  ap- 
pears neceffary  ;  for  if  in  any  cafe  we  enter 
lightly  into  temporal  affairs,  without  feeling 
this  fpirit  of  truth  to  open  our  way  therein, 
and  through  the  love  of  this  world  proceed 
on,  and  feek  for  gain  by  that  buiinefs  or 
traffic,  which  "  is  not  of  the  father,  but  of 
u  the  world,"  i  John  ii.  16,  we  fail  in  our 
teftimony  to  the  purity  and  peace  of  his  go- 
vernment ;  and  get  into  that  which  is  for 
chaflifement. 

This  matter  hath  lain  heavy  on  my  mind, 
it  being  evident,  that  a  life  lefs  humble,  lefs 
fimple  and  plain,  than  that  which  Chrifl 
leads  his  fheep  into,  does  necelTarily  require 
a  fuppprt,  which  pure  wifdom  does  not  pro- 
vide 


348     ON  THE  RIGHT  USE  OF  THE 

Tide  for  ;  hence  there  is  no  probability  of  our 
being  "  a  peculiar  people,  fb  zealous  of  good 
*'  works,  as  to  have  no  fellowfliip  with  works 
"  ofdarknefs,"  Titus  ii.  14.  Ephef.  v.  n, 
while  we  have  wants  to  fupply  which  have 
their  foundation  in  cuftom,  and  do  not  come 
within  the  meaning  of  thofe  exprelfions, 
"  your  heavenly  father  knoweth  that  ye  have 
•"  need  of  all  thefe  things,"  Matt.  vi.  32. 

Thefe  things  which  he  beholds  neceiTary 
for  his  people,  he  fails  not  to  give  them  in 
his  own  way,  and  time ;  but  as  his  ways  are 
above  our  ways,  and  his  thoughts  above  our 
thoughts,  fo  imaginary  wants  are  different 
"  from  thefe  things  which  he  knoweth  that 
<c  we  have  need  of." 

As  my  meditations  have  been  on  thefe 
things,  compamon  hath  filled  my  heart  to- 
ward my  fellow  creatures,  involved  in  cuf* 
toms,  grown  up  in  "  the  wifdom  of  this 
*'  world,  which  is  foolimnefs  with  God," 
i  Cor.  iii.  1 9  ;  and  O  that  the  youth  may  be 
fo  thoroughly  experienced  in  an.  humble 
walking  before  the  Lord,  that  they  may  be 
his  children,  and  know  him  to  be  their  re- 
fuge, their  fafe  unfailing  refuge  !  through 
the  various  dangers  attending  this  uncertain 
ilate  of  being. 

If  thofe  whofe  minds  are  redeemed  from 
the  love  of  wealth,  and  who  are  content  with 
a  plain,  iimple  way  of  living,  do  yet  find  that 
to  conduct  the  affairs  of  a  family,  without 
giving  countenance  to  unrighteous  proceed^ 

ings 


LORD'S  OUTWARD  GIFTS.     349 

ings,  or  having  fellowship  with  works  of 
darknefs,  the  mofl  diligent  care  is  necefTary: 

If  cuftoms,  diftinguiihable  from  univerfal 
righteoufiiefs,  and  oppofite  to  the  true  felf- 
denying  life,  are  now  prevalent,  and  fo  mix- 
ed with  trade,  and  with  almofl  every  em- 
ploy, that  it  is  only  through  humble  waiting 
on  the  inward  guidance  of  truth,  that  we 
may  reafonably  hope  to  walk  fafely,  and  fup- 
port  an  uniform  teftimoiiy  to  the  peaceable 
government  of  Chrift  ; 

If  this  be  the  cafe,  how  lamentably  do  they 
expofe  themfelves  to  temptations,  who  give 
way  to  the  love  of  riches,  conform  to  expen- 
five  living,  and  reach  forth  for  gain,  to  fup- 
port  cuftoms,  which  our  holy  (hepherd  leads 
not  into* 


O 


CONSIDERATIONS 


ON      THE 


TRUE      HARMONY 


o   F 


M      A      N      K      t    .  tt      D 


AND    HOW    IT    IS    TO    BE    MAINTAINED; 


Firft  printed  in  the  year  1770. 


M  I  C  A  H    V.    7. 

And  the  remnant  of  "Jacob  foall  be  in  the 
midfl  of  many  people,  as  ^  a  deiv  from  the  Lord$ 
as  the  Jhoivers  upon  the,  grafs,  that  tarrieth 
not  for  man,  nor  ivaiteth  for  the  \fons  of  meiii 


INTRODUCTION. 

5  mankind  from  one  parent  are  divided  inte 
many  families,  and  as  trading   to  fea   is 
greatly  increased  within  afiiu  ages  pcjl ;  amidjl 

this 


I  N  T  R  O  D  U  C  T  I  6  N.      351 

this  extended  commerce,  hoiu  neceffary  is  it  thai 
the  profejfed  followers  of  Chrift  keep  f acred  his 
holy  name,  and  be  employed  about  trade  and 
traffic  no  farther  than  jujlice  and  equity  evi- 
dently accompanies  ?  that  we  may  give  no  juft 
caufe  of  offence  to  any,  however  dijiant,  or  un- 
able to  plead  their  own  caufe  ;  and  may  continu- 
ally keep  in  view,  the  fpreading  of  the  true  and 
faving  knowledge  of  God,  and  his  Jon  Jefus- 
Chrift)  among Ji  our  fellow  creatures,  •which 
through  his  infnite  love,  fome  fed  to  be  more 
precious  than  any  other  treafure* 


r  35* 

•i  ..—  .-.. 

CONSIDERATIONS 

ON       THE 

TRUE      HARMONY 

O     F 

MANKIND; 

AND    HOW    IT    IS    TO    BE    MAINTAINED. 

CHAP.       I. 

Oil  ferving  the  Lord  in  our  outward  employ- 
mentsi 

UNDER  the  humbling  difpenfations 
of  the  Father  of  mercies,  I  have  felt 
an  inward  labour  for  the  good  of  my 
fellow  creatures,  and  a  concern  that  the  holy 
fpirit,    which  alone  can  reftore  mankind  to  a 
ftate  of  true  harmony,   may  with  finglenefs 
of  heart  be  waited  for  and  followed. 

I  trufl  there  are  many  under  that  vifitation^ 
which,  if  faithfully  attended  to,  will  make 
them  quick  of  underftanding  in  the  fear  of 
the  Lord,  and  qualify  with  firmnefs  to  be 
true  patterns  of  the  chrifiian  life,  who  iri 
living  and  walking  may  hold  forth  an  invi- 
tation to  others,  to  come  out  of  the  entangle- 
ments of  the  fpirit  of  this  world.  And 


ON  SERVING  THE -LORD,  &c.     353 

And  that  which  I  feel  firft  to  exprefs  is,  a 
care  for  thofe  who  are  in  circumflances, 
wliich  appear  difficult,  with  refpecc  to  fup- 
porting  their  families  in  a  way  anfwerable  to 
pure  wifdom,  that  they  may  not  be  difcou- 
raged,  but  remember  that  in  humbly  obey- 
ing the  leading  of  Chrift,  he  owneth  us  as 
his  friends,  "  Ye  are  my  friends  if  ye  do 
"  whatfoever  I  command  you  ;"  and  to  be  a 
friend  to  Chrift,  is  to  be  united  to  him, 
hath  all  power  in  heaven  and  in  earth  ;  ^ad 
tho*  a  woman  may  forget  her  fucking  childj 
yet  will  he  not  forget  his  faithful  ones. 

The  condition  of  many  who  dwell  in  cities 
hath  often  affected  me  with  a  brotherly  i/m- 
pathy,  attended  with  a  defire  that  refignati^- 
on  may  be  laboured  for  ;  and  where  the  ho- 
ly leader  dirccleth  to  a  country  life  or  fome 
change  of  employ,  he  may  be  faithfully  fol- 
lower! ;  for  under  the  refining  hand  of  the 
Lord  I  have  feen,  that  the  inhabitants  of  fome 
cities  are  greatly  increafed  through  fome 
branches  of  bufinefs  which  his  holy  fpirit 
doth  not  lead  into,  and  that  being  entangled 
in  thefe  things,  tends  to  bring  a  cloud  over 
the  minds  of  people  convinced  of  the  lead- 
ings of  this  holy  leader,  and  obftructs  the 
coming  of  the  kingdom  of  Chriil  on  earth  as 
it  is  in  heaven. 

Now  if  we  indulge  a  defire  to  imitate  our 

neighbours  in  thole  things  which  harmonife 

not  with  the   true  chriftian  walking,    thefe 

.  entanglements  may  hold  fail  to  us,  and  fome, 

A  a  who 


354    ON  SERVING  THE  LORD  IN 

who  in  an  awakening  time,  feel  tender  fcru- 
pies,  with  reipecl:  to  their  manner  of  life, 
may  look  on  the  example  of  others  more  no- 
ted in  the  church,  who  yet  may  not  be  re- 
fined from  every  degree  of  drofs  ;  and  by 
looking  on  thefe  examples,  and  defiring  to 
fupport  their  families  in  a  way  pleafant  to 
the  natural  mind,  there  may  be  danger  of 
the  worldly  wifdom  gaining  ilrength  in  them, 
and  of  their  departure  from  that  pure  feeling 
of  truth,  which  if  faithfully  attended  to, 
would  teach  contentment  in  the  divine  will, 
even  in  a  very  low  eftate. 

One  formerly  fpeaking  on  the  profitable- 
nefs  of  true  humility,  faith,  "  He  that- 
troubles  not  himfelf  with  anxious  thoughts 
for  more  than  is  neceflary,  lives  little  lefe 
than  the  life  of  angels,  whilft  by  a  mind 
content  with  little,  he  imitates  their  want 
of  nothing."  Cave's  primitive  chriftianity^ 
page  31. 

"  It  is  not  enough,  fays  Tertullian,  that  a 
chriftian  be  chafle  and  modeft,  but  he  muft 
appear  to  be  fo  :  a  virtue  of  which  he  mould 
have  fo  great  a  ftore,  that  it  fhould  now  from 
his  mind  upon  his  habit,  and  break  from  the 
retirements  of  his  confcience,  into  the  fuper- 
ficies  of  his  life."  Same  book,  page  43. 

"  The  garments  we  wear,  fays  Clemens, 
ought  to  be  mean  and  frugal — that  is  true 
Simplicity  of  habit,  which  takes  away  what 
is  vain  and  fuperfluous  ;  that  the  beft  and 
iriofl  folid  garment,  which  is  the  farthefl 
from  curiolity."  Page  49.  Though 


OUTWARD    EMPLOYMENTS.     355 

Though  the  change  from  day  to  night,  is 
by  a  motion  fo  gradual  as  fcarcely  to  be  per- 
ceived, yet  when  night  is  come  we  behold  it 
very  different  from  the  day  ;  and  thus  as 
people  become  wife  in  their  own  eyes,  and 
prudent  in  their  own  fight,  cuftoms  rife  up 
from  the  fpirit  of  this  world,  and  fpread  by 
little  and  little,  till  a  departure  from  the 
fimplicity  that  there  is  in  Chrifl,  becomes  as 
diftinguifhable  as  light  from  darknefs,  to 
fuch  who  are  crucified  to  the  world. 

Our  holy  fhepherd,  to  encourage  his  flock 
in  firmnefs  and  perfeverance,  reminds  them 
of  his  love  for  them,  "  As  the  father  hath 
"  loved  me,  fo  have  I  loved  you;  continue  ye 
*'  in  my  love ;"  and  in  another  place  graci- 
oufly  points  out  the  danger  of  departing  there- 
from, by  going  into  unfuitable  employments  ; 
this  he  reprefents  in  the  fimilitude  of  offence 
from  that  ufeful  active  member,  the  hand  ; 
and  to  fix  the  inflrudlion  the  deeper,  names 
the  right  hand,  "  If  thy  right  hand  offend 
"  thee  cut  it  .ofF  and  call  it  from  thee"— If 
thou  feelefl  offence  in  thy  employment,  hum- 
bly follow  him  who  leads  into  all  truth,  and 
is  a  ftrong  and  faithful  friend  to  thofc  who 
are  refigned  to  him. 

Again,  he  points  out  thofe  things  which  > 
appearing  pleafant  to  the  natural  mind,  are 
not  beft  for  us,  in  the  fimilitude  of  offence 
from  the  eye,  "  If  thy  right  eye  offend  thee 
"  pluck  it  out,  and  cafl  it  from  thee."  To 
pluck  out  the  eye,  or  cut  off  the  hand,  is  at- 
tended with  iharp  pain  ;  and  how  precious  is 
A  a  3  the 


356    ON  SERVING  THE  LORI)  itf  ouk 

the  inftruciion  which  our  redeemer  thus  opens 
to  us,  that  we  may  not  faint  under  the  moil 
painful  trials,  but  put  our  trufl  in  him,  even 
in  him  who  fent  an  angel  to  feed  Elijah  in  the 
wildernefs  ;  who  fed  a  multitude  with  a  few 
barley  loaves,  and  is  now  as  attentive  to  the 
wants  of  his  people  as  ever. 

The  prophet  Ifaiah,  reprefents  the  unrigh- 
teous doings  of  the  Ifraelites  toward  the 
poor,  as  the  fruits  of  an  effeminate  life,  "  As 
"  for  my  people,  children  are  their  oppref- 
"  fors,  and  women  rule  over  them  ;  what 
"  mean  ye  that  ye  beat  my  people  to  pieces, 
s  and  grind  the  faces  of  the  poor,  faith  the 
"  Lord  God."  Then  he  mentions  the  haugh- 
tiriefs  of  the  daughters  of  Sion,  and  enume- 
rates many  ornaments,  as  inilances  of  their 
vanity,  to  uphold  which,  the  poor  were  fo 
hardly  dealt  with,  that  he  fets  forth  their  po- 
verty, their  leannefs  and  inability  to  help 
themfelves,  in  the  fnnilitiide  of  a  man  maim- 
ed by  violence  or  "  beaten  to  pieces,"  and 
forced  to  endure  the  painful  operation  of 
having  his  face  gradually  worn  away  in  the 
manner  of  grinding.' 

And  I  may  here  add,  that  at  times,  when 
I  have  felt  true  love  open  my  heart  towards 
my  fellow  creatures,  and  been  engaged  in 
weighty  converfation  in  the  caufe  of  righte- 
oufhefs,  the  inftrudHons  I  have  received  un- 
der thefe  exercifes,  in  regard  to  the  true  uie 
of  the  outward  gifts  of  God,  have  made  deep 
and  lading  irnpreflions  on  my  mind. 

I  have 


OUTWARD   EMPLOYMENTS.     357 

I  have  here  beheld,  how  the  defire  to  pro- 
vide wealth,  and  to  uphold  a  delicate  life 
hath  grievoufly  entangled  many,  and  been 
like  fnares  to  their  offspring  ;  and  though 
jfome  have  been  affected  with  a  fenfe  of  their 
difficulties,  and  appeared  defirous,  at  times, 
to  be  helped  out  of  them  ;  yet  for  want  of 
abiding  under  the  humbling  power  of  truth, 
they  have  continued  in  thefe  entanglements  ; 
for  in  remaining  conformable  to  this  world, 
and  giving  way  to  a  delicate  life,  this  ex- 
penfive  way  of  living,  in  parents  and  in 
children,  hath  called  for  a.  large  fupply,  an4 
in  anfwering  this  call  "  the  faces  of  the  poor" 
have  been  ground  away,  and  made  thin  thro* 
hard  dealing. 

There  is  balm,  there  is  a  phyfician  !  and 
O  what  longings  do  I  feel !  that  we  may  em- 
brace the  means  appointed  for  our  healing, 
know  that  removed  which  now  miniflers 
caufe  for  the  cries  of  many  people  to  afcend 
tp  heaven  againft  their  opprefTors,  and  that 
we  may  fee  the  true  harmony  reftored. 

Behold  "  how  good  and  how  pleafant  it  is, 
"  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity." 
The  nature  of  this  unity  is  thus  opened  by 
the  apoftle,  "  If  we  walk  in  the  light,  as 
<*  Chrift  is  in  the  light,  we  {hall  have  fel- 
*'  lowfhip  one  with  another,  and  the  blood, 
**  of  C.hrift  will  cleanfe  us  from  all  fin." 

The  Hnd  may  be  polluted  with  innocent 
blood,  which  like  the  blood  of  Abel  may  cry 
to  the  Almighty  ;  but  thofe  who  "  walk  ii> 
*'  the  light  as  Chrift  is  ii\  th&  light,"  they 


358       ON  SERVING  THE  LORD  IN  OUR 

know  the  "  lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away 
"  fin." 

Walking  is  a  phrafe  frequently  u fed  in  fcrip- 
ture,  to  represent  our  journey  through  life, 
and  appears  to  comprehend  the  various  affairs 
and  tranfacLions  properly  relating  to  our  be- 
ing in  this  world. 

Chrift  being  the  light,  dwells  always  in  the 
light,  and  if  our  walking  be  thus,  and  in 
every  affair  and  concern  we  faithfully  follow 
this  divine  leader  ;  he  preferves  from  giving 
juft  caufe  for  any  to  quarrel  with  us  ;  and 
where  this  foundation  is  laid  and  mutually 
kept  to,  by  families  converfant  with  each  o- 
ther,  the  way  is  open  for  thefe  comforts  in 
Society,  which  our  heavenly  father  intends 
as  a  part  of  our  happinefs  in  this  world  ;  and 
then  we  may  experience  the  "goodnefs,  and 
pleafantnefs  of  dwelling  together  in  unity  ; 
but  where'  ways  of  living  take  place,  which 
tend  to  opprelTion,  and  in  the  puriuit  of 
wealth,  people  do  that  to  others  which  they 
know  would  not  be  acceptable  to  tliemielves, 
cither  in  exercifing  an  abfoli-te  power  over 
them,  or  otherwife  laying  on  them  unequit- 
able burdens  ;  here  a  fear  left  that  meafure 
fhouM  be'  meeted  to  them,  which  they  have 
meaiiircd  to  others,  incites  a  care  to  fupport 
that  by  craft  and  cunning  devices  which 
ftands  not  on  the  firm  foundation  of  righte- 
oufnefs  :  thus  the  harmony  of  fociety  is 
broken,  and  from  hence  commotions  and 
wars  do  frequently  arife  in  the  world. 

"  Come 


OUTWARD    EMPLOYMENTS.     359 

"  Come  out  of  Babylon  my  people,  that 
^'  ye  be  noc  partakers  of  her  fins,  and  that  ye 
"  receive  not  of  her  plagues."  Rev.  xv.  3,4. 
This  Babel,  or  Babylon,  was  built  in  the; 
fpirit  of  felf-exakatloa :  "  Let  us  build  us  a 
"  city  and  a  tower,  wliofe  top  may  reach  to 
"  heaven,  and  let  us  make  us  a  name."  Gen. 
xi.  4.  In  departing  from  an  humble  trull  in 
God,  and  following  a  feifiili  fpirit,  people 
have  intentions  to  get  the  up  pern  and  of  their 
fellow  creatures,  privately  meditate  on  means 
to  obtain  their  ends,  have  a  language  in  their 
hearts  which  is  hard  to  underfland,  In  Ba- 
bel the  language  is  confounded. 

This  city  is  reprefented  as  a  place  of  bufi- 
nefs  and  thofe  employed  in  it,  as  merchants 
of  the  earth  :  "  The  merchants  of  the  earth 
"  are  waxed  rich  through  the  abundance  of 
"  her  delicacies."  Rev.  xviii.  3. 

And  it  is  remarkable  in  this  call,  that  the 
language  from  the  father  of  mercies  is,  my 
people,  "  Come  out  of  Babylon  my  people  T* 
Thus  his  tender  mercies  are  toward  us  in  an 
iinperfecl  flate  ;  and  as  we  faithfully  attend 
to  the  call,  the  path  of  righteoumefs  is  more 
and  more  opened  ;  cravings,  which  have  not 
their  foundation  in  pure  wifdom,  more  and 
more  ceaie  ;  and  in  art  inward  purity  of 
heart,  we  experience  a  refloration  of  that 
which  was  loll  at  Babel,  reprefented  by  the 
infpired  prophet  in  the  "  returning  of  a  pure' 
-'  language."  Zeph.  iii.  9. 

Happy  for  them  who  humbly  attend  to 
$ie  call,  "  Come  out  of  Babylon  my  people." 

1 


360       ON  SERVING   THE  LORD  IN  OUR 

For  though  in  going  forth  we  may  meet  with 
trials,  which  for  a  time  may  be  painful,  yet 
as  we  bow  in  true  humility,  and  continue  in 
it,  an  evidence  is  felt  that  God  onty  is  wife ; 
and  that  in  weaning  us  from  all  that  is  feii- 
iih,  he  prepares  the  way  to  a  quiet  habitation 
where  all  our  delires  are  bounded  by  his  wi£- 
dom.  And  an  exerciie  of  fpirit  attends  me, 
that  we  who  are  convinced  of  the  pure  lead- 
ings of  truth,  may  bow  in  the  deeped  reve- 
rence, and  fo  watchfully  regard  this  leader, 
that  many  who  are  grievoufly  entangled  in  a 
wilderness  of  vain  cuftoms,  may  look  upon 
us,  and  be  inftrucled.  And  O  thatfuch  who 
have  plenty  of  this  world's  goods,  may  be 
faithful  in  that  with  which  they  are  entruft- 
ed  !  and  example  others  in  the  true  chriftian 
walking. 

Our  bleffed  Saviour,  fpeaking  on  worldly 
greatnefs,  compares  himlelf  to  one  waiting 
and  attending  on  a  company  at  dinner: 
"  Whether  is  greater,  he  that  fitteth  at  meat 
"  or  he  that  ferveth  ?  Is  not  he  that  fitteth 
"  at  meat  ?  but  I  am  amongft  you  as  he  that 
"  ferveth."  Luke  xxii.  27. 

Thus  in  a  world  greatly  difordered,  where 
mea  aipiring  to  outward  greatnefs  were  wont 
to  orrprcih  others  to  fapport  their  defigns,  he 
who  was  of  the  higheft  defcent,  being  the 
•Son  of  God,  and  greater  than  any  amongft 
the  gre^tetl  families  of  men,  by  his  example 
and  doctrines  foreclofed  his  followers  from 
claiming  any  ihew  of  outward  greatnefs,  from 

any 


OUTWARD    EMPLOYMENTS.     361 

any  fuppofed  fuperiority  in  themfelves,  of 
derived  from  their  anceftors. 

He  who  was  greater  than  earthly  princes, 
was  not  only  meek  and  low  of  heart,  but  his 
outward  appearance  was  plain  and  lowly, 
and  free  from  every  flain  of  the  fpirit  of  this 
world. 

Such  was  the  example  of  our  blefTed  Re- 
deemer, of  whom  the  beloved  difciple  faid, 
"  He  that  faith  he  abideth  in  him,  ought 
"  alfb  to  walk  even  as  he  walked." 

John  Bradford,  who  fufFered  martyrdom, 
under  queen  Mary,  wrote  a  letter  to  his 
friends  out  of  prifon,  a  fhort  time  before  he 
was  burnt,  in  which  are  thefe  expremons  ; 
"  Confider  your  dignity  as  children  of  God 
and  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  mem- 
bers of  Chrift,  be  afhamed  therefore  to  think, 
fpeak,  or  do  any  thing  unfeemly,  for  God's 
children  and  the  members  of  Chrift."  Fox's 
Acts  and  Monuments,  page  1177. 


CHAP.     II. 

On  the  example   of  CHRIST. 

AS  my  mind  hath  been  brought  into  a 
brotherly  feeling  with  the  poor,   as  to 
the  things  of  this  life,   who  are  under  trials 
in  regard  to  getting  a  living  in  a  way  an- 
fwerable  to  the  ^  purity  of  truth  ;  a  labour  of 

heart 


362    ON  THE  EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 

heart  hath  attended  me,  that  their  way  may 
not  be  made  difficult  through  the  love  of  mor- 
ney  in  thofe  who  are  tried  with  plentiful 
eflates,  but  that  they  with  tendernefs  of  heart 
may  fympathize  with  them. 

It  was  the  faying  of  our  blefTed  Redeemer, 
"  Ye  cannot  ferve  God  and  mammon." 
There  is  a  deep  feeling  of  the  way  of  purity, 
a  way  in  which  the  wifdom  of  the  world  hatk 
up  part,  but  is  opened  by  the  fpirit  .of  truth, 
and  is  "  called  the  way  of  holinefs ;"  a  way 
in  which  the  traveller  is  employed  in  watch- 
ing unto  prayer ;  and  the  outward  gain  we 
get  in  this  journey  is  confidered  as  a  truft 
committed  to  us,  by  H  i  M  who  formed  and 
fupports  the  world  ;  and  is  the  rightful  di- 
rector of  the  ufe  and  application  of  the  pro- 
duel  of  it. 

Now  except  the  mind  be  preferred  chafte, 
there  is  no  fafety  for  us  ;  but  in  an  eftrange- 
ment  from  true  resignation,  the  fpirit  of  the 
•world  calls  up  a  way,  in  which  gain  is  many 
times  principally  attended  to,  and  in  which 
there  is  a  felfim  application  of  out* vvard  trea- 
iiires. 

How  agreeable  to  the  true  harmoity  of  fo- 
cicty,  is  that  exhortation  of  the  apoflle  ? 
f'  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own  things, 
"  but  every  man  alib  on  the  things  of  others. 
"  Let  this  mind  be  in  you  which  was  alfo  in 
"  Chrilt  Jeflis." 

A  perfon  in  outward  profperity  may  have 
the  power  of  obtaining  riches,  but  the  fame 
mind  being  in  him  which  io  in  Chriil  Jefuss 

he 


ON  THE  EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST.     363 

he  may  feel  a  tendernefs  of  heart  towards 
thofe  of  low  degree  ;  and  inftead  of  fetting 
himfelf  above  them,  may  look  upon  it  as  an 
unmerited  favour,  that  his  way  through  life 
is  more  eafy  than  the  way  of  many  others  ; 
may  improve  every  opportunity  of  leading 
forth  out  of  thofe  cuftoms  which  have  en- 
tangled the  family ;  employ  his  time  in  look- 
ing into  the  wants  of  the  poor  members,  and 
hold  forth  iuch  a  perfect  example  of  humili- 
ation, that  the  pure  witnefs  may  be  reached 
in  many  minds  ;  and  the  way  opened  for  a 
harmonious  walking  together. 

Jefus  Chrift,  in  promoting  the  happinefs 
of  others,  was  not  deficient  in  looking  for  the 
helplefs,  who  lay  in  obfcurity,  nor  did  he 
fave  any  thing  to  render  himfelf  honourable 
amongft  men,  which  might  have  been  of 
more  ufe  to  the  weak  members  in  his  Father's 
family ;  of  whofe  companion  towards  us  I 
may  now  fpeak  a  little.  He  who  was  per- 
fectly happy  in  himfelf,  moved  with  infinite 
love,  "  took  not  upon  him  the  nature  of  an- 
"  gels,"  but  our  imperfect  natures,  and 
therein  .wreftled  with  the  temptations  which 
attend  us  in  this  life  ;  and  being  the  Son  of 
H  i  M  who  is  greater  than  earthly  princes,  yet 
became  a  companion  to  poor,  fincere  heart- 
ed men  ;  and  though  he  gave  the  elearelt 
evidence  that  divine  power  attended  him,  yet 
the  moft  unfavourable  conflructions  were 
framed  by  a  fclf  righteous  people  ;  thofe 
miracles  reprefented  as  the  efFecl  of  a  diabo- 
lical power,  and  endeavours  ufed  to  render 

him 


364    ON  THE  EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 

him  hateful,  as  having  his  miflion  from  the 
prince  of  darknefs  ;  nor  did  their  envy  ceafe 
till  they  took  him  like  a  criminal  and  brought 
him  to  trial.  Though  fome  may  affect  t;o 
carry  the  appearance  of  being  unmoved  at 
the  apprehenfion  of  diilrefs,  our  dear  .Re- 
deemer, who  was  perfectly  (incere,  having 
the  fame  human  nature  which  we  have,  and 
feeling,  a  little  befpre  he  was  apprehended, 
the  weight  of  that  work  upon  him,  for  which 
he  came  into  the  world,  was  "  ibrrowful 
"  even  unto  death  ;"  here  the  human  nature 
flruggled  to  be  excufed  from  a  cup  fo  bitter  ; 
but  his  prayers  centered  in  refignation,  "  Not 
<c  my  will  but  thine  be  done."  In  this  con- 
flicl,  fo  great  was  his  agony  that  "  fweat 
"  like  drops  of  blood  fell  from  him  to  the 
"  ground." 

Behold  now  as  foretold  by  the  prophet,  he 
is  in  a  judicial  manner  "  numbered  with  the 
"  tranigreftbrs."  Behold  him  as  fome  poor 
man  of  no  reputation,  Handing  before  the 
high  prieil  and  elders,  and  before  Herod  and 
Pilate,  where  witnefles  appear  againft  him, 
and  he  mindful  of  the  moft  gracious  defign 
of  his  coming,  cieclineth  to  plead  in  his  own 
defence,  "  but  as  a  fheep  that  is  dumb  be-. 
*c  fore  his  ihearer,"  fo  under  many  accufati- 
pns,  revilings,  an4  buffetings,  remained  Cl- 
ient. And  tho'  he  Signified  to  Peter  that  he" 
had  accefs  to  power  fuirlcient  to  overthrow  all 
their  outward  forces  ;  yet  retaining  a  reiig- 
nation  to  furfer  for  the  fins  of  mankind,  he 
exerted  not  that  power,  but  permitted  tfyem, 

19 


ON  THE  EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST.     365 

to  go  on  in  their  malicious  defigns,  and  pro- 
nounce him  to  be  worthy  of  death,  even  hiin 
\vho  was  perfect  in  goodnefs  ;  thus  "  in  his 
"  humiliation  his  judgment  was  taken  a- 
"  way,"  and  he,  like  fome  vile  criminal, 
"  led  as  a  lamb  to  the  {laughter."  Under, 
thefe  heavy  trials  (though  poor  unftafcle  Pilate 
was  convinced  of  his  innocence,  yet)  the  peo- 
ple generally  looked  upon  him  as  a  deceiver, 
a  .blafphemer,  and  the  approaching  puniih- 
ment  as  a  juft  judgment  upon  him,  "  They 
"  efleemed  him  fmitten  of  God  and  afflicl- 
*'  ed."  So  great  had  been  the  fuf prize  of 
his  difciples,  at  his  being  taken  by  armed 
men,  that  they  "  forfook  him  and  fled  ;" 
thus  they  hid  their  faces  from  him,  he  was 
defpifed,  and  by  their  conduct  it  appeared  as 
though  "  they  efleemed  him  not." 

But  contrary  to  that  opinion,  of  his  being 
fmitten  of  God  and  afflicted,  it  was  for  our 
fakes  that  <c  he  was  put  to  grief;  he  was 
"  wounded  for  our  tranfgreffions  ;  he  was 
"  bruifed  for  our  iniquities  ;"  and  under  the 
weight  of  them  manifefting  the  deepeft  com- 
pamon  for  the  inflruments  of  his  mifery, 
laboured  as  their  advocate,  and  in  the  deeps 
of  affliction,  with  an  unconquerable  pati- 
ence, cried  out,  "  Father  forgive  them,  they 
44  know  not  what  they  do  ! 

Now  this  mind  being  in  us,  which  was 
in  Chrifl  Je'fus,  it  removes  from  our  hearts 
the  denre  of  fuperiority,  worldly  honour  or 
greatnefs  ;  a  deep  attention  is  felt  to  the  di- 
vine counfellor,  and  an  ardent  engagement 


*66    ON  THE  EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 

to  promote,  as  far  as  we  may  be  enabled,  thd 
liappinefs  of  mankind  univerfally  ;  this  flate, 
where  every  motion  from  a  felnm  fpirit 
yieldeth  to  pure  love,  I  may,  with  gratitude 
to  the  father  of  mercies  acknowledge,  is  oft- 
en opened  before  me  as  a  pearl  to  dig  after  ; 
attended  with  a  living  concern,  that  among!! 
the  many  nations  and  families  on  the  earth, 
thofe  who  believe  in  the  Meffiah,  that  "  he 
<c  was  manifefled  to  deftroy  the  works  of  the 
"  Devil,"  and  thus  to  "  take  away  the  fins 
"  of  the  world,"  may  experience  the  will  of 
our  heavenly  Father,  "  may  be  done  on  earth 
"  as  it  is  in  heaven."  Strong  are  the  defires 
I  often  feel,  that  this  holy  profeflion  may  re- 
main unpolluted,  and  the  believers  in  Chrift 
may  fo  abide  in  the  pure  inward  feeling  of 
his  fpirit,  that  the  wifdom  from  above  may 
iliine  forth  in  their  living,  as  a  light  by  which 
others  may  be  inftrumentally  helped  on  their 
•way,  in  the  true  harmonious  walking. 


CHAP.      IIL 

On   Merchandizing. 

WHERE  the  treafures  of  pure  love  are 
opened,  and  we  obediently  follow 
him  who  is  the  light  of  life,  the  mind  be- 
comes chafte  ;  and  a  care  is  felt,  that  the 
unction  from  the  holy  one  may  be  our  leader 
in  every  undertaking, 

In 


ON  MERCHANDIZING,      367 

In  being  crucified  to  the  world,  broken 
t>ff  from  that  friendfhip  which  is  enmity  with 
God,  and  dead  to  the  cuftoms  and  fafhions 
which  have  not  their  foundation  in  the  truth; 
the  way  is  prepared  to  lowlinefs  in  outward, 
living,  and  to  a  difentanglement  from  thofe 
fhares  which  attend  the  love  of  money  ;  and 
where  the  faithful  friends  of  Chrift  are  fo  fi- 
tuated  that  merchandize  appears  to  be  their 
duty,  they  feel  a  reftraint  from  proceeding 
farther  than  he  owns  their  proceeding  ;  being 
convinced  that  "  we  are  not  our  own  but  are 
* c  bought  with  a  price,  that  none  of  us  may 
"  live  to  ourfelves,  but  to  him  who  died  for 
"  us."  2  Corin.  v.  1 5.  Thus  they  are  taught, 
not  only  to  keep  to  a  moderate  advance  and 
uprightnefs  in  their  dealings  ;  but  to  confi- 
der  the  tendency  of  their  proceeding  ;  to  do 
nothing  which  they  know  would  operate  a- 
gainfl  the  caufe  of  univerfal  righteoufnefs ; 
and  to  keep  continually  in  view  the  fpreading 
of  the  peaceable  kingdom  of  Chrift  amongft 
mankind. 

The  prophet  Ifaiah  fpake  of  the  gathered 
church,  in  the  mnilitude  of  a  city,  where 
many  being  employed  were  all  preferred  in 
purity  ;  "  They  mall  call  them  the  holy  peo- 
"  pie,  the  redeemed  of  the  Lord,  and  thou 
"  ihalt  be  called  fought  out,  a  city  not  for- 
"  faken."  Ixiii.  10.  And  the  apoftle  after 
mentioning  the  myftery  of  Chrift's  fufferings 
exhorts,  "  Be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  con- 
*'  verfation."  i  Pet.  i.  15.  There  is  a  con- 
Terfiition  neceflary  in  trade ;  and  there  is  a 

conrerfatioQ 


368      ON   MERCHANDIZING. 

converfation  fo  foreign  from  the  nature  of 
Chrifl's  kingdom,  that  it  is  reprefented  in  the 
fimilitude  of  one  man  pufhmg  another  with 
a  warlike  weapon;  "  There  is  that  fpeaketh 
"  like  the  piercings  of  a  fword."  Prov.  xii.  18. 
Now  in  all  our  concerns  it  is  necefTary  that 
the  leading  of  the  fpirit  of  Chrift  be  humbly 
waited  for  and  faithfully  followed,  as  the  on- 
ly means  of  being  preferved  chafle  as  an  holy 
people,  who  "  in  all  things  are  circumfpecl:." 
Exod.  xxiii.  13,  that  nothing  we  do  may 
carry  the  appearance  of  approbation  of  the 
works  of  wickednefs,  make  the  unrighteous 
more  at  eafe  in  unrighteoufnefs,  or  occafion 
the  injuries  committed  againft  the  oppreffed 
to  be  more  lightly  looked  over. 

Where  morality  is  kept  to,  and  fupported 
by  the  inhabitants  of  a  country,  there  is  a 
certain  reproach  attends  thofe  individuals  a- 
mongfl  them,  who  manifeftly  deviate  there- 
from. Thus,  if  a  perfon  of  good  report,  is 
charged  with  ftealing  goods  out  of  an  open 
fhop  in  the  day  time,  and  on  a  public  trial 
found  guilty,  and  the  law  in  that  cafe  put  in 
execution,  he  therein  fuftains  a  lofs  of  repu- 
tation ;  but  if  he  be  convicted  a  fecond  and 
third  time  of  the  like  offence,  his  good  name 
would  ceafe  amongil  fuch  who  knew  thefe 
things.  If  his  neighbour,  reputed  an  honeft 
man,  being  charged  with  buying  goods  of 
this  thief,  at  a  time  when  the  purchafer  knew 
they  were  Rolen,  and  on  a  public  trial  is 
found  guilty,  this  purchafer  would  meei:  wi,th 
difefteem,  but  if  he  perfifled  in  buying  Rolen 

goods, 


ON  MERCHANDIZING.      369 

goods,  knowing  them  to  be  fuch,  ahd  was 
publicly  convicted  thereof  a  fecond  and  third 
time,  he  would  no  longer  be  confidered  as  an 
honed  man  by  them  who  knew  thefe  things  ; 
nor  would  it  appear  of  good  report  to  be 
found  in  his  company,  buying  his  traffick, 
till  fome  evident  tokens  of  fincere  repentance 
appeared  in  him.  But  where  iniquity  is 
committed  openly,  and  the  authors  of  it  are 
riot  brought  to  juflice,  nor  put  to  mame, 
their  hands  grow  flrong.  Thus  the  general 
corruption  of  the  Jews  fhortly  before  their 
(late  was  broke  up  by  the  Chaldeans,  is  de- 
fcribed  by  their  boldnefs  in  impiety  ;  for  as 
their  leaders  were  connected  together  in  wick- 
ednefs,  they  flrengthened  one  another,  and 
grew  confident,  "  Were  they  aihamed  wrhen 
"  they  had  committed  abominations  ?  nay> 
"  they  were  not  at  all  afh-amed,  neither  could 
u  they  blufh."  Jer.  vi.  15,  on  which  account 
the  Lord  thus  expoflulates  with  them,  "  What 
"  hath  my  beloved  to  do  in  my  houfe,  feeing 
u  ihe  hath  wrought  lewdnefs  with  many? 
"  and  the  holy  flefli  is  parTed  from  theCj 
"  when  thou  doeft  evil,  then  thou  rejoiceft."^ 
Jer.  -xi.  15; 

Now  the  faithful  friends  of  Chrift,  who 
hunger  and  thirfl  after  righteoufnefs,  and  in- 
wardly breath  that  his  kingdom  may  come 
on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven,  he  teacheth  them 
to  be  quick  of  underitanding  in  his  fear,  and 
to  be  very  attentive  to  the  means  he  may  ap- 
point for  promoting  pure  righteoufnefs  in  tne 
earth  j  and  a-sihame  is  due  to  thofe  whofe 
13  b  works 


37°      ON  MERCHANDIZING. 

works  manifeftly  operate  againfl  the  gracious 
defign  of  his  fufferings  for  us,  a  care  lives  on 
their  minds  that  no  wrong  cuftoms  however 
fupported,  may  biafs  their  judgments,  buc 
that  they  may  humbly  abide  under  the  crofs 
and  be  preferved  in  a  conduct  which  may  not 
contribute  to  flrengthen  the  hands  of  the 
wicked  in  their  wickednefs,  or  to  remove 
ihame  from  thofe  to  whom  it  is  juftly  due. 
The  coming  of  that  day  is  precious  in  which 
we  experience  the  truth  of  this  expreffion. 
"  The  Lord  our  righteoufnefs."  Jer.  xiii.  6, 
and  feel  him  to  be  "  made  unto  us  wifdom 
"  and  fanctification." 

The  example  of  a  righteous  man  is  often 
looked  at  with  attention.  Where  righteous 
men  join  in  bulineis  their  company  gives  en- 
couragement to  others  ;  and  as  one  grain  of 
incenfe  deliberately  offered  to  the  prince  of 
this  world,  renders  an  offering  to  God  in  thar 
{late  unacceptable  ;  and  from  thofe  efteemed 
leaders  of  the  people  may  be  injurious  to  the 
weak  ;  it  requires  deep  humility  of  heart,  to 
follow  him  faithfully,  who  alone  gives  found 
wifdom  and  the  fpirit  of  true  difcerning ;  and 
O  how  neceffary  it  is,  to  confider  the  weight 
of  a  holy  profeflion ! 

The  conduct:  of  fome  formerly,  gave  occa- 
fion  of  complaint  againfl  them,  "  Thou  haft 
"  defiled  thy  fanctuaries  by  the  multitude  of 
"  thine  iniquities,  by  the  iniquity  of  thy 
"  traffick."  Ezek.  xxviii.  18,  and  in  feveral 
places  it  is  charged  againft  Ifrael  that  they 
iiad  polluted  die  holy  namer 

The 


ON  MERCHANDIZING.      371 

The  prophet  Ifaiah  reprefents  inward  fanc- 
tification  in  the  fimilitude  of  being  purged 
from  that  which  is  fuel  for  fire  ;  and  particu- 
larly defcribes  the  outward  fruits,  brought 
forth  by  thofe  who  dwell  in  this  inward  ho- 
linefs,  "  they  walk  righteoufly,  and  fpeak 
*'  uprightly.  By  walking  he  reprefents  the 
journey  through  life,  as  a  righteous  journey  ; 
and  "  by  fpeaking  uprightly,"  feems  to  point 
at  that  which  Mofes  appears  to  have  had  in 
view,  when  he  thus  expreffed  himfelf,  "  Thou 
"  fhalt  not  follow  a  multitude  to  do  evil, 
"  nor  fpeak  in  a  cafe  to  decline  after  many 
"  to  wreft  judgment."  Exod.  xxiii.  2. 

He  goes  on  to  {hew  their  firmnefs  in  equity ; 
reprefenting  them  as  perfons  fuperior  to  all 
the  arts  of  getting  money,  which  have  not 
righteoufnefs  for  their  foundation  ;  "  They 
"  defpife  the  gain  of  oppreflions  :"  and  fur- 
ther mews  how  careful  they  are  that  no  pro- 
fpecls  of  gain  may  induce  them  to  become 
partial  in  judgment  refpecling  an  injury  ; 
"  They  fhake  their  hands  from  holding 
11  bribes." 

Again,  where  any  interefl  is  fo  connected 
with  medding  blood,  that  the  cry  of  inno- 
cent blood  goes  alfo  with  it ;  he  points  out 
their  care  to  keep  innocent  blood  from  crying 
againft  them,  in  the  fimilitude  of  a  man  flop- 
ping his  ears  to  prevent  a  found  from  enter- 
ing his  head,  "  They  flop  their  ears  from 
**  hearing  blood  ;"  and  where  they  know 
that  wickednefs  is  committed,  he  points  out 
with  care,  that  they  do  not  by  an  unguarded 
B  b  2  friendfhip 


372     OK    MERCHANDIZING, 

friendship  with  the  authors  of  it,  appear  like 
unconcerned  lookers  on,  but  as  people  fo 
deeply  affected  with  forrow,  that  they  cannot 
endure  to  fland  by  and  behold  it ;  this  he  re- 
prefents  in  the  fimilitude  of  a  man  "  {hutting 
"  his  eyes  from  feeing  evil." 

"  Who  amongft  us  ihall  dwell  with  the  de- 
<{  vouring  fire  ?  Who  amongft  iis  iliall  dwell 
*'  with  everlafting  burnings  ?  He  that  walk- 
46  eth  righteoufly  and  fpeaketh  uprightly.  He 
lt  that  defpifeth  the  gain  of  oppremons,  that 
"  fhaketh  his  hands  from  holding  of  bribes, 
c<  that  ftoppeth  his  ears  from  hearing  of  blood, 
"  and  fhutteth  his  eyes  from  feeing  evil." 
Ifaiah  xxxiii.  14,  15. 

He  proceeds  in  the  fpirit  of  prophecy  to 
fliew  how  the  faithful  being  fupported  under 
temptations,  would  be  preferred  from  that 
defilement  that  there  is  in  the  love  of  money  ; 
that  as  they  who  in  a  reverent  waiting  on 
God,  feel  their  flrength  renewed,  are  faid  to 
*'  mount  upward ;"  fo  here  their  prefervation 
from  the  fnare  of  unrighteous  gain,  is  repre- 
fented  in  the  likenefs  of  a  man,  borne  up 
above  all  crafty,  artful  means  of  getting  the 
advantage  of  another,  "  They  mall  dwell  on 
"  high;  and  points  out  the  (lability  and 
firmnefs  of  their  condition,  "  His  place  of 
"  defence  iliall  be  the  munitions  of  rocks  ;" 
and  that  under  all  the  outward  appearances 
of  lofs,  in  denying  himfelf  of  gainful  profits 
for  righteoufnefs  lake,  yet  through  the  care 
of  him  who  provides  for  the  fparrows,  he 
ihould  have  a  fupply  anfwerable  to  his  infi- 

nit« 


ON    MERCHANDIZING.     373 

nite  wifdom,  "  Bread  fliall  be  given  him, 
"  his  waters  fliall  be  fure."  And  as  our  Sa- 
viour mentions  the  fight  of  God  to  be  attain- 
able by  "  the  pure  in  heart,"  fo  here  the  pro- 
phet pointed  out,  how  in  true  fanclification 
the  underftanding  is  opened,  to  behold  the 
peaceable  harmonious  nature  of  his  kingdom, 
"  thine  eyes  fhall  fee  the  king  in  his  beauty  :" 
and  that  looking  beyond  all  the  afflictions 
which  attend  the  righteous,  to  "  a  habitati- 
"  on  eternal  in  the  heavens,"  they  with  an 
eye  divinely  open  <c  fhall  behold  the  land  that 
"  is  very  far  ofF. 

"  He  fhall  dwell  on  high,  his  place  of  de- 
"  fence  fhall  be  the  munitions  of  rocks,  bread 
"  fhall  be  given  him,  his  waters  mall  be  fure. 
"  Thine  eyes  fhall  fee  the  king  in  his  beauty; 
"  they  fhall  behold  the  land  that  is  very  far 
*'  off."  Ifaiah  xxxiii.  16,  17. 

I  often  remember,  and  to  me  the  fiibject 
is  awful,  that  the  great  Judge  of  all  the  earth 
doeth  that  which  is  right,  and  that  he  "  be- 
"  fore  whom  the  nations  are  as  the  drop  of 
"  a  bucket,"  is  "  no  refpecler  of  perfons." 
Happy  for  them,  who  like  the  infpired  pro- 
phet, "  in  the  way  of  his  judgments  wait; 
for  him."  Ifaiah  xxvi.  8. 

When  we  feel  him  to  fit  as  a  refiner  with 
fire,  and  know  a  refignednefs  wrought  in  us, 
to  that  which  he  appoints  for  us,  his  blefling; 
in  a  very  low  eftate,  is  found  to  be  more  pre- 
cious than  much  outward  treafure  in  thofe 
ways  of  life  where  the  leadings  of  his  fpirit 
are  not  followed. 

The 


374     ON  MERCHANDIZING. 

The  prophet  in  a  fight  of  divine  work  a- 
mongfl  many  people,  declared  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord,  "  I  will  gather  all  nations  and 
"  tongues,  and  they  mall  come  and  fee  my; 

?lory."  Ifaiah  Ixvi.  18.  And  again,  "  from 
"  LAC  nfing  of  the  fun  to  the  going  down  of 
"  the  ia ,iv. ,  my  name  mall  be  great  amongfh 
"  the  Gentiles,  and  in  every  place  incenfe 
"  mail  be  offered  to  my  name,  and  a  pure 
"  offering."  Malachi  ir  n. 

Behold  here  how  the  prophets  had  an  in- 
ward fenfe  of  the  fpreading  of  the  kingdom 
of  Chrifl ;  and  how  he  was  fpoken  of  as  one* 
who  fliould  "  take  the  heathen  for  his  inhe- 
"  ritance,  and  the  utmoft  parts  of  the  earth 
"  for  his  poffemon."  Pfal.  ii.  8.  That  "  he 
"  was  given  for  a  light  to  the  Gentiles  ;  and 
"  for  ialvation  to  the  ends  of  the  earth." 
Ifaiah  xlix.  6. 

When  we  meditate  on  this  divine  work,  as 
a  work  of  ages  ;  a  work  that  the  prophets  felt 
long  before  Chrift  appeared  vifibly  on  earth, 
and  remember  the  bitter  agonies  he  endured 
when  he  "  poured  out  his  foul  unto  death," 
that  the  heathen  nations,  as  well  as  others, 
might  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth 
and  be  faved. 

When  we  contemplate  on  this  marvellous 
work,  as  that  which  "  the  angels  defire  to 
"  look  into."  i  Pet.  i.  12.  And  behold  peo- 
ple amongfl  whom  this  light  hath  eminently 
broken  forth,  and  who  have  received  many 
favours  from  the  bountiful  hand  of  our  hea- 
venly Father  j  not  only  indifferent  with  re- 

fpedl 


ON    MERCHANDIZING.      37$ 

fpect  to  publifhing  the  glad  tidings  amongft 
the  Gentiles,  as  yet  fitting  in  darknefs  and 
entangled  with  many  fuperftitions  ;  but  a- 
fpiring  after  wealth  and  worldly  honours, 
take  hold  of  means  to  obtain  their  ends, 
tending  to  flir  up  wrath  and  indignation, 
and  to  beget  an  abhorrence  in  them  to  the 
name  of  chriftianity.  When  thefe  things  are 
weightily  attended  to,  how  mournful  is  the 
fubjedl  ? 

It  is  worthy  of  remembrance,  that  people 
in  different  ages,  deeply  baptifed  into  the  na- 
ture of  that  work  for  which  Chrift  fuffered, 
have  joyfully  offered  up  their  liberty  and  lives 
for  the  promoting  of  it  in  the  earth. 

Policarp,  who  was  reputed  a  difciple  of  St. 
John,  having  attained  to  great  age,  was  at 
length  fentenced  to  die  for  his  religion,  and 
being  brought  to  the  fire,  prayed  nearly  as 
follows,  "  Thou  God  and  Father  of  our 
Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  I  have  received 
the  knowledge  of  thee  !  O  God  of  the  angels 
and  powers,  and  of  every  living  creature, 
and  of  all  forts  of  jufl  men  which  live  in  thy 
prefence.  I  thank  thee  !  that  thou  haft  gra- 
cioufly  vouchfafed  this  day  and  this  hour  to 
allot  me  a  portion  among  the  number  of 
martyrs,  among  the  people  of  Chrift,  unto 
the  refurreclion  of  everlafting  life  ;  among 
whom  I  fhall  be  received  in  thy  fight,  this 
day,  as  a  fruitful  and  acceptable  facrifice, 
•wherefore  for  all  this,  I  praife  thee,  I  blcfs 
thee,  I  glorify  thee  through  the  everlafting- 
high  Pried,  Jefus  Chrift,  thy  well  beloved 

foil  : 


Ox  MERCHANDIZING. 

fon  ;  to  v;hom,  with  thee  and  the  holy  Ghoft, 
be  all  glory,  world  without  end.  Amen. 
.  Bifhop  Latimer,  when  fentence  of  death 
by  fire,  was  pronounced  againfl  him,  on  ac- 
count of  his  nrmneis  in  the  caufe  of  religion, 
he  faid,  "  I  thank  God  moft  heartily  !  that 
he  hath  prolonged  my  life  to  this  end  ;  tha£ 
I  may,  in  this  <  cafe  glorify  him  by  this  kind 
of  death."  Fox's  Acts  and  Moil.  936. 

William  Dewfbery,  who  had  fuffered  much 
for  his  religion,  in  his  laft  ficknefs,  encou- 
raging his  friends  to  laithfulnefs,  made  men- 
tion, like  good  old  Jacob,  of  the  loving  kind- 
neis  of  God  to.  him  in  the  courfe  of  liis  life, 
and  that  through  the  power  of  divine  love, 
he  for  Chrift's  fake  had  joyfully  entered  pri- 
fons.  See  introduction  to  his  works. 

I  mention  thefe,  as  a  few  examples,  put  of 
many,  of  the  powerful  operation  of  the  fpirit 
of  Chriit,  where  people  are  fully  devoted  to 
it,  and  of  the  ardent  longings  in  their  minds 
for  the  fprcnding  of  his  kingdom  amongft 
mankind.  Now  to  thofe,  in  the  prefent  age, 
who  truly  know  Chrift,  and  feel  the  nature 
of  his  peaceable  government  opened  in  their 
understandings,  how  loud  is  that  call  where- 
with we  are  called  to  f  tkhfulnefs  j  that  in 
following  this  pure  light  of  life,  "  we  as 
"  workers  togetjier  with  him,"  may  labour 
in  that  great  work  for  which  he  was  offered 
Sacrifice  on  the  crofs  ;  and  that  his  peace- 
doctrines  may  mine  through  us  in  their 
aony,  ?.L  a  time  when  the  name  of 

chriflianity 


ON    MERCHANDIZING.      377 

chriftianity  is  become  hateful  to  many  of  the 
heathen. 

When  Gehazi  had  obtained  treafures,  which 
the  prophet  under  divine  direction  had  refuf- 
ed,  and  was  returned  from  the  bufinefs  ;  the 
prophet  troubled  at  his  conduct,  queried  if 
it  was  a  time  thus  to  prepare  for  a  fpecious 
living. 

"  Is  it  a  time  to  receive  money  and  gar- 
"  ments,  men  fervants  and  maid  fervants, 
"  the  leprofy  therefore  of  Naaman  fhall  cleave 
"  to  thee  and  to  thy  feed  forever."  2  Kings 
v.  26.  And  O  that  we  may  lay  to  heart  the 
condition  of  the  prefent  time  !  and  humbly 
follow  his  counfel,  who  alone  is  able  to  pre- 
pare the  way  for  a  true  harmonious  walking 
among  ft  mankind. 


CHAP.       IV. 

On  divine  Admonitions. 

SUCH  are  the  perfections  of  our  heaven-? 
ly  Father,  that  in  all  the  difpenfations  of 
his  providence,  jt  is  our  duty,  "  in  every 
*c  thing,  to  give  thanks."  Though  from  the 
firft  fettlement  of  this  part  of  America,  he 
hath  not  extended  his  judgments  to  the  degree 
of  famine,  yet  worms  at  times  have  come 
forth  beyond  numbering,  and  laid  wafte 
fields  of  grain  and  grafs,  where  they  have 
appeared  :  another  kind,  in  great  multitudes, 

working 


378    ON  DIVINE  ADMONITIONS. 

working  out  of  fight,  in  grafs  ground,  have 
fo  eat  the  roo'cs  that  1  he  furface,  being  loo£- 
ened  from  the  foil  beneath,  might  be  taken 
off  in  great  Iheets. 

Theie  kind  of  devouring  creatures  appear- 
ing feklom,  and  coming  in  fuch  multitudes % 
their  generation  appears  dilTerent  from  moil 
other  reptiles,  and  by  the  prophet  were  call- 
ed "  God's  army  fent  amongit  the  people." 
Joel  ii.  25. 

There  have  been  tempefls  of  hail,  which 
have  very  much  destroyed  the  grain  where 
they  extended.  Through  long  drought  in 
fummer,  grain  in  fome  places  hath  been  lefs. 
than  half  the  ufual  quantity  * ;  and  in  the 
continuance  thereof,  I  have  beheld  with  at- 
tention, from  week  to  week,  how  drynefs 
from  the  top  of  the  earth,  hath  extended 
deeper  and  deeper,  while  the  corn  and  plants 
have  languilhed  ;  and  with  reverence  my 
mind  hath  been  turned  toward  HIM,  who 
being  perfect  in  goodnefs,  in  wifdom  and 
power,  doeth  all  things  right*  And  after 
long  drought,  when  the  fky  hath  grown  dark 
with  a  collection  of  matter,  and  clouds  like 
lakes  of  water  hung  over  our  heads,  from 
whence  the  thirfty  land  hath  been  foaked  ;  I 
have  at  times,  with  awfulnefs,  beheld  the  ve-» 
hement  operation  of  lightning,  made  fome- 
times  to  accompany  thefe  bleflings,  as  a  mef- 

fenger 


F  *  When  crops  fai'l'i  I  often  feel  a  teffdef-care  that  the  cafe 
•f  poor  tenants  may  be  mercifully  confidercd. 


ON  DIVINE  ADMONITIONS.     379 

fenger  from  H  i  M  who  created  all  things,  to 
remind  us  of  our  duty  in  a  right  ufe  of  thofe 
benefits,  and  give  ftriking  admonitions,  that 
\ve  do  not  mifapply  thofe  gifts,  in  which  an 
Almighty  power  is  exerted,  in  beftowing 
them  upon  us. 

When  I  have  considered  that  many  of  our 
fellow  creatures  fuffer  much  in  fome  places, 
for  want  of  the  neceiTaries  of  life,  whilft  thofe 
who  rule  over  them  are  too  much  given  to 
Juxury,  and  divers  vanities  ;  and  behold  the 
apparent  deviation  from  pure  wifdom  amongfl 
us,  in  the  ufe  of  the  outward  gifts  of  God  ; 
thofe  marks  of  famine  have  appeared  like 
humbling  admonitions  from  him,  that  we 
might  be  inftructcd  by  gentle  chaftifements, 
and  might  ferioufly  conlider  our  ways  ;  re-» 
membring  that  the  outward  fupply  of  life  is 
a.  gift  from,  our  heavenly  Father,  and  that  we 
ihould  no  more  venture  to  ufe,  or  apply  his 
gifts,  in  a  way  contrary  to  pure  wifdom. 

Should  we  continue  to  reject  thofe  merci- 
ful admonitions,  and  ufe  his  gifts  at  home, 
contrary  to  the  gracious  defign  of  the  giver, 
or  fend  them  abroad  in  a  way  of  trade,  which 
the  fpirit  of  truth  doth  not  lead  into  ;  and 
fhould  he  whofe  eyes  are  upon  all  our  ways, 
extend  his  chaftifements  fo  far  as  to  reduce 
us  to  much  greater  diftrefs  than  hath  yet  been 
felt  by  thefe  provinces  ;  with  what  forrow  of 
heart  might  we  meditate  on  that  fubjecl, 
"  Haft  thou  not  procured  this  unto  thy  felf, 
"  in  that  thou  haft  forfakea  t}ie  Lord  thy 
"  Qod,  wheji  he  led  thee  by  thee  way  ? 

•       6<  Thine 


380    ON  DIVINE  ADMONITIONS. 

Thine  own  wickednefs  fhall  correct  thefc, 
"  and  thy  backflidings  fhall  reprove  thee: 
"  know  therefore  and  fee,  that  it  is  an  evil 
*-''  thing  and  bitter,  that  thou  hafl  forfaken 
"  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  that  my  fear  is  not 
*'  in  thee,  faith  the  Lord  God  of  hofls."  Jer. 
ii.  17,  19. 

My  mind  hath  often  been  affected  with 
fbrrow,  in  beholding  a  wrong  application  of 
the  gifts  of  our  heavenly  Father  ;  and  thofe 
expretfions  concerning  the  defilement  of  the 
earth  have  been  opened  to  my  underftanding, 
"  The  earth  was  corrupt  before  God,  and 
*6  the  earth  was  filled  with  violence."  Gen. 
vi.  ii.  Again,  Ifaiah  xxiv.  5.  "  The  earth 
"  alfo,  is  defiled  under  the  inhabitants  there- 
"  of,  becaufe  they  have—- broken  the  ever- 
"  lafting  covenant." 

The  earth  being  the  work  of  a  divine  pow- 
er, may  not  as  fuch  be  accounted  unclean  ; 
but  when  violence  is  committed  thereon,  and 
the  channel  of  righteoufnefs  fo  obflrucled, 
that  "  in  our  fkirts  are  found  the  blood  of 
"  the  fouls  of  poor  innocents  ;  not  by  a  fe- 
*'  cret  fearch,  but  upon  all  thefe."  Jerem. 
ii.  34.  * 

When  blood,  fhed  unrighteoufly,  remains 
unattoned  for,  and  the  inhabitants  are  not 
effectually  purged  from  it,  when  they  do  not 
•warn  their  hands  in  innocency,  as  was  figur- 
ed in  the  law,  in  the  cafe  of  one  being  found 

flain  ; 


.  *  See  a  caution  and  warning  to  Great-Britain  andjier  co- 
Joaies,  page  3  j. . 


ON  DIVINE  ADMONITIONS,     381 

ilain  ;  but  feek  for  gain  ariflng  from  fceiies 
of  violence  and  opprefiion,  here  the  land  is 
polluted  with  blood.  Deut.  xxi.  6. 

Moreover,  when  the  earth  is  planted  and 
tilled,  and  the  fruits  brought  forth  are  appli- 
ed to  fupport  unrighteous  purpofes  ;  here  the 
gracious  defigh  of  infinite  goodnefs,  in  thefe 
his  gifts  being  perverted,  the  earth  is  defiled ; 
and  the  complaint  formerly  uttered  becomes 
applkable  ;  "  Thou  haft  made  me  to  ferve 
**  with  thy  fins  ;  thou  haft  wearied  me  with 
"  thine  iniquities."  Ifaiah  xliii.  24. 


THE     END. 


C  382   ] 
RE     MARKS 

O    N 

SUNDRY    SUBJECTS. 

Firft  printed  ill  London,    1773. 

CHAP.      I. 

On  loving  tour  Neighbours  as  ourfefots,, 

WH  E  N  we  love  the  Lord  with  all 
our  hearts,  and  his  creatures  in  his 
love,  we  are  then  preserved  in  ten- 
dernefs  both  toward  mankind  and  the  animal 
creation ;  but  if  another  fpirit  gets  room  in 
our  minds,  and  we  follow  it  in  ouf  proceed- 
ings,  we  are  then  in  the  way  of  difordering 
the  affairs  of  fociety. 

If  a  man  fuccefsful  in  b.ufinefs  expends 
part  of  his  income  in  things  of  110  real  ule, 
while  the  poor  employed  by  him  pafs  through 
great  difficulties  in  getting  the  neceflaries  of 
life,  this  requires  his  ferious  attention. 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     383 

If  feveral  principal  men  in  bufinefs  unite 
in  fetting  the  wages  ©f  thofe  who  work  for 
hire,  and  therein  have  regard  to  a  profit  to 
themlelves  anfwerable  to  unnecefTary  expeiice* 
in  their  families,  while  the  wages  of  the  others 
on  a  moderate  induftry  will  not  afford  a  com- 
fortable living  for  their  families,  and  a  pro- 
per education  for  their  children ;  this  is  like 
laying  a  temptation  in  the  way  of  fbme  to 
flrive  for  a  place  higher  than  they  are  iny 
when  they  have  not  fleck  fumcient  for  it. 

Now  1  feel  a  concern  in  the  fpring  of  pure 
love,  that  all  who  have  plenty  of  outward 
fubilance,  may  example  others  in  the  right 
ufe  of  things  5  may  carefully  look  into  the 
condition  of  poor  people,  and  beware  of  ex- 
acting on  them  with  regard  to  their  wages. 

While  hired  labourers,  by  moderate  in- 
duftry, through  the  divine  blefling,  may  live 
comfortably,  raife  up  families,  and  give  them 
fuitable  education,  it  appears  reafonable  for 
them  to  be  content  with  their  wages. 

If  they  who  have  plenty,  love  their  fellow 
creatures  in  that  love  which  is  divine,  and  in 
all  their  proceedings  have  an  equal  regard  to 
the  good  of  mankind  univerfally,  their  place 
in  fociety  is  a  place  ot  care,  an  office  requir- 
ing attention,  and  the  more  we  poflefs,  the 
greater  is  our  trufl,  and  with  an  increafe  of 
treafure,  an  increafe  of  care  becomes  necef- 
fary. 

When  our  will  is  fubject  to  the  will  of  God, 
and  in  relation  to  the  things  of  this  world, 
we  have  nothing  in  view,  but  a  comfortable 

living 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS. 

living  equally  with  the  reft  of  our  fellow 
creatures,  then  outward  treafures  are  no  far- 
ther ciefirable  than  as  we  feel  a  gift  in  our 
minds  equal  to  the  truft,  and  flrength  to  act 
as  dutiful  children  in  his  fervice,  who  hath 
formed  all  mankind,  and  appointed  a  fub- 
fiftence  for  us  in  this  world. 

A  defire  for  treafures  on  any  other  motive^ 
appears  to  be  againft  that  command  of  our 
bleffed  Saviour,  "  Lay  not  up  for  yourfelves 
"  treafures  on  earth,  Mat.  vi.  19. 

He  forbids  not  laying  up  in  the  fummer 
ngainft  the  wants  of  winter ;  nor  doth  he 
teach  us  to  be  flothful  in  that  which  properly 
relates  to  our  being  in  this  world  ;  but  in 
this  prohibition  he  puts  in  yourf elves  "  Lay 
"  not  up  for  yourfelves  treafures  here  on 
«  earth." 

Now  in  the  pure  light,  this  language  is 
underftood,  for  in  the  love  of  Chrift  there  is 
no  refpecl  of  perfons  ;  and  while  we  abide  in 
his  love,  we  live  not  to  ourfelves,  but  to  him 
who  died  for  us.  And  as  we  are  thus  united 
in  fpirit  to  Chrift,  we  are  engaged  to  labour 
in  promoting  that  work  in  the  earth  for  which 
he  fuffered. 

In  this  ftate  of  mind  our  defires  are,  that 
every  honeft  member  in  fociety  may  have  a 
portion  of  treafure,  and  fhare  of  truft,  an- 
fwerable  to  that  gift,  with  which  our  hea- 
venly Father  hath  gifted  us. 

In  great  treafure^  there  is  a  great  truft. 

A  great  truft  requireth  great  care. 

But  the  laborious  mind  wants  reft. 

A  pious 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     385 

A  pious  man  is  content  to  do  a  fhare  of 
foufinefs  in  fociety,  anfwerable  to  the  gifts 
with  winch  he  is  endowed,  while  the  chan- 
nels of  buiinefs  are  free  from  tinrighteouf- 
iiefs,  but  is  careful  left  at  any  time  his  heart 
be  overcharged. 

In  the  harmonious  fpirit  of  fociety  "  Chrift 
"  is  all  in  all,"  Col.  iii.  n. 

Here  it  is  that  "  old  things  are  paft  away, 
"  all  things  are  new,  all  things  are  of  God,'* 
2  Cor.  v.  17,  1 8.  and  the  defire  for  outward 
riches  is  at  an  end. 

They  of  low  degree  who  have  {mall  gifts, 
enjoy  their  help  who  have  large  gifts  ;  thofe 
with  their  final!  gifts,  have  a  final!  degree  of 
care,  while  thefe  with  their  large  gifts,  have 
a  large  degree  of  care  :  and  thus  to  abide  in 
the  love  of  Chrift,  and  enjoy  a  comfortable 
living  in  this  world  is  all  that  is  aimed  at  by 
thofe,  members  in  fociety,  to  whom  Chrift  is 
made  wifdom  and  righteoufnefs. 

But  when  they  who  have  much  treafure, 
are  not  faithful  ftewards  of  the  gifts  of  God, 
great  difficulties  attend  it. 

Now  this  matter  hath  deeply  affected  my 
mind.  The  Lord,  through  merciful  chaftife- 
ments,  hath  given  me  a  feeling  of  that  love, 
in  which  the  harmony  of  fociety  ilancleth, 
and  a  fight  of  the  growth  of  that  feed  which 
bringeth  forth  wars  and  great  calamities  in 
the  world,  and  a  labour  attends  me  to  open 
It  to  others. 

Now  to  act  with  integrity,  according  to 

that  ftrengtli  of  mind  and  body  with  which 

C  c  our 


386     ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS. 

our  creator  hath  endowed  each  of  us,  appears 
necefTary  for  all,  and  he  who  thus  {lands  in 
the  lowed  ftation,  appears  to  be  entitled  to  as 
comfortable  and  convenient  a  living,  as  he 
whole  gifts  of  mind  are  greater,  and  whole 
cares  are  more  extenfive. 

If  fome  endowed  with  flrong  underftand- 
ings  as  men,  abide  not  in  the  harmonious 
flate,  in  which  we  "  love  our  neighbours  as 
<c  ourfelves,"  but  walk  in  that  fpirit  in  which 
the  children  of  this  world  are  wife  in  their 
generation ;  thefe  by  the  ftrength  of  contri- 
vance may  fometimes  gather  great  treafure, 
but  the  wifdom  of  this  world  is  foolifhnefs 
with  Qod  ;  and  if  we  gather  treafures  in 
worldly  wifdom,  we  lay  up  "  treafures  for 
"  ourfelves  ;"  and  great  treafures  managed 
in  any  other  fpirit,  than  the  fpirit  of  truth, 
clifordereth  the  affairs  of  fociety,  for  hereby 
the  good  gifts  of  God  in  this  outward  crea- 
tion are  turned  into  the  channels  of  worldly 
honour,  and  frequently  applied  to  fupport 
luxury,  while  the  wages  of  poor  labourers 
are  fuch,  that  with  moderate  induflry  and 
frugality  they  may  not  live  comfortably,  raife 
up  families,  and  give  them  fuitable  educati- 
on, but  through  the  ftreightnels  of  their  con- 
dition, are  often  drawn  on  to  labour  under 
wearinefs,  to  toil  through  hardfhips  them- 
felves,  and  frequently  to  opprefs  thofe  ufeful 
animals  with  which  we  are  entrufted. 

From  age  to  age,  throughout  all  ages,  di- 
vine love  is  that  alone,  in  which  dominion 
has  been,  is^  and  will  be  rightly  conducted. 

In 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS,     387 

In  this  the  endowments  of  men  are  fo  em- 
ployed, that  the  friend  and  the  governor  are 
united  in  one,  and  oppremve  cuftoms  come 
to  an  end. 

Riches  in  the  hands  of  individuals  in  fo- 
ciety,  is  attended  with  fome  degree  of  power ; 
and  fo  far  as  power  is  put  forth  feparate  from 
pure  love,  fo  far  the  government  of  the  Prince 
of  Peace  is  interrupted  ;  and  as  we  know  not 
tnat  our  children  after  us  will  dwell  in  that 
ftate  in  which  power  is  rightly  applied,  to 
lay  up  riches  for  them  appears  to  be  againtt 
the  nature  of  his  government. 

The  earth,  through  the  labour  of  men  un- 
der the  bleiling  of  him  who  formed  it,  yield- 
eth  a  fupply  for  the  inhabitants  from  gene- 
ration to  generation,  and  they  who  walk  in 
the  pure  light,  their  minds  are  prepared  to 
tafte  and  relim  not  only  thofe  bleffings  which 
are  fpiritual,  but  alfo  feel  a  fweetnefs  and  fa- 
tisfadlion  in  a  right  ufe  of  the  good  gifts  of 
God  in  the  vifible  creation. 

Here  we  fee  that  man's  happinefs  {lands 
not  in  great  potTefTions,  but  in  a  heart  de- 
voted to  follow  Chrift,  in  that  ufe  of  things, 
where  cuftoms  contrary  to  univerfal  love  have 
no  power  over  us. 

In  this  ftate  our  hearts  are  prepared  to  truft 
in  God,  and  our  deiires  for  our  children  and 
pofterity  are,  that  they,  with  the  reft  of  man- 
kind,  in  ages  to  come,  may  be  of  that  num- 
ber, of  whom  he  hath  faid,  "  I  will  be  a 
"  father  to  them,  and  they  mall  be  my  fons 
"'  and  daughters,"  2  Cor.  vi.  18. 

C  c  a  When 


388     ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS. 

When  wages  in  a  fruitful  land  bear  fo  fmall 
a  proportion  to  the  necedaries  of  life,  that 
poor  honed  people  who  have  families  cannot 
by  a  moderate  indudry  attain  to  a  comfort- 
able living,  and  give  their  children  fufficient 
learning,  but  nmft  either  labour  to  a  degree 
of  oppreillon,  or  elfe  omit  that  which  appears 
to  be  a  datv. 

While  tfrs  is  the  cafe  with  the  poor,  there 
is  an  inclination  in  the  minds  of  mod  people, 
to  prepare  at  lead  fo  much  treafure  for  their 
children,  that  they  .with  care  and  moderate 
induftry  may  live  free  from  thefe  hardlhips 
•which  the  poor  pafs  through. 

Now  this  fubject  requireth  our  ferious  con- 
lideratioii :  to  labour  that  our  children  may 
be  put  in  a  way  to  live  comfortably,  appears 
ii,  itfelf  to  be  a  duty,  fo  long  as  thefe  our 
labours  are  confident  with  univerfal  righte- 
oumefs  ;  but  if  in  driving  to  fhun  poverty, 
we  do  not  walk  in  that  date  where  "  Chrid  is 
"  our  life,"  then  we  wander  ;  "  He  that 
u  hath  the  Son,  hath  life,"  I  John  v.  12. 
"  This  life  is  the  light  of  men,"  John  i.  4. 
If  we  walk  not  in  this  light,  we  walk  in 
darknefs,  and  "  he  that  walketh  in  darknefs, 
**  knoweth  not  whither  he  gocth,  '  John 

xii.  3.5. 

To  keep  to*  right  means  in  labouring  to 
attain  a  right  end  is  necefTary  :  if  in  driving 
to  fliun  poverty,  we  drive  only  in  that  date, 
-where  Chrid  is  the  light  of  our  life,  our  la- 
bours will  dand  in  the  true  harmony  of  fo- 
ciety;  but  if  people  are  confident  that  the 

end 


Ox  LOVIVG  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     389 

end  aimed  at  is  good,  and  in  this  confidence 
purfue  it  fo  eagerly,  as  not  to  vMit  for  the 
fpirit  of  truth  to  Jeaci  them,  then  they  come 
to  lofs.  "  Chrift  is  g: ven  to  he  a  leader  and 
"  commander  of  the  p-.oplo."  liaiah  Iv.  4. 
Again  ;  "  The  Lord  mall  gtiiJe  thee  conti- 
"  nually,"  Ifaiah  Iviii.  12.  Again  ;  "  Lord, 
u  thou  wilt  ordain  peace  for  us,  for  thou 
"  alfo  haft  Wrought  all  our  works  in  us." 
Ifaiah  xxvi.  12. 

"  In  the  Lord  have  we  righteoufnefs  and 
"  flrength,"  Ifaiah  xlv.  24. 

In  this  ftate  our  minds  are  preferved  watch- 
ful in  following  the  leadings  of  his  fpirit  iri 
all  our  proceedings  in  this  world,  and  a  care 
is  felt  for  a  reformation  in  general  ;  that 
our  own  pofterity,  with  the  reil  of  mankind 
in  fucceeding  ages,  may  not  be  entangled 
by  oppreilive  cuftoms,  tfanfmitted  to  them 
through  our  hands  :  but  if  people  in  the 
narrownefs  of  natural  love,  are  afraid  that 
their  children  will  be  opprefied  by  the  rich,, 
and  through  an  eager  defire  to  get  treafures, 
depart  from  the  pure  leadings  of  truth  in  one 
cafe,  though  it  may  feem  to  be  a  final!  mat- 
ter, yet  the  mind  even  in  that  fmall  matter 
may  be  emboldened  to  continue  in  a  way  of 
proceeding,  without  waiting  for  the  divine 
Leader. 

Thus  people  may  grow  expert  in  bufinefs, 
wife  in  the  wifdom  of  this  World,  retain  a 
fair  reputation  amongil  men,  and  yet  being 
ilrangers  to  the  voice  of  Chrift,  the  fafe  lead- 
er of  his  flock,  the  treafures  thus  gotten, 

may 


390     ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS, 

may  be  like  fnares  to  the  feet  of  their 
rity. 

Now  to  keep  faithful  to  the  pure  counfel-* 
lor,  and  under  trying  circumftanccs-  fuller 
adverfity  for  righteoufhefa  lake,  ia  this  there 
is  a  reward. 

If  we,  being  poor,  are  hardly  dealt  with 
by  thofe  who  are  rich,  and  under  this  diffi- 
culty are  frugal  and  inclullrious,  and  in  true 
humility  open  our  cafe  to  them  who  opprefs. 
xis,  this  may  reach  the  pure  witnefs  in  their 
minds  ;  and  though  we  ihould  remain  under 
difficulties  as  to  the  outward,  yet  if  we  abide 
in  the  love  of  Chrift,  all  will  work  for  our 
good  i 

When  we  feel  what  it  is  to  fuffer  in  the  true 
fufFering  ilate,  then  we  experience  the  truth 
of  thofe  expre {lions,  that,  "  as  the  fnfFerings 
fc  of  Chrift  abound  in  us,  fo  our  confolation 
*'  abounded!  by  Chrifl,"  2  Cor.  i.  5. 

But  if  poor  people  who  are  hardly  dealt 
.with,  do  not  attain  to  the  true  fufFering  (late, 
do  not  labour  in  true  love  with  thofe  who 
deal  hardly  with  them,  but  envy  their  out- 
ward greatnefs,  murmur  in  their  hearts  be- 
canfe  of  their  own  poverty,  and  ftri  ve  in  the 
•wilclom  of  this  world  to  get  riches  for  them- 
felves  and  their  children ;  this  is  like  wan- 
dering in  the  dark. 

If  we  who  are  of  a  middle  flation  between 
riches  and  poverty,  are  alFecled  at  times  with 
the  oppreifcons  of  the  poor,  and  feel  a  tender 
Jt'i^ard  for  our  poilerity  after  us  ;  O  how  ne- 

cefTary 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.    -391 

ceJTary  is  it  that  we  wait  for  the  pure  counfel 
of  truth  ! 

Many  have  feen  the  hardfhips  of  the  poor, 
felt  an  eager  defire  that  their  children  may- 
be put  in  a  way  to  efcape  thefe  hardfhips  ; 
but  how  few  have  continued  in  that  pure  love 
which  openeth  our  underftandings  to  proceed 
rightly  under  thefe  difficulties  ! 

How  few  have  faithfully  followed  that  ho- 
ly Leader  who  prepares  his  people  to  labour 
for  the  reftoration  of  true  harmony  amongfl 
our  fellow-creatures  ! 

"  In  the  pure  gofpel  fpirit  we  walk  by 
"  faith  and  not  by  fight,"  2  Cor.  v.  7. 

In  the  obedience  of  faith  we  die  to  the  nar- 
rownefs  of  felf-love,  and  our  life  being  hid 
with  Chrift  in  God,  our  hearts  are  enlarged 
toward  mankind  univerfally  ;  but  in  depart- 
ing from  the  true  light  of  life,  many  in 
ftriving  to  get  treafures  have  Humbled  upon 
the  dark  mountains. 

Now  that  purity  of  life  which  proceeds 
from  faithfulnefs  in  following  the  fpirit  of 
truth,  that  (late  where  our  minds  are  devot- 
ed to  ierve  God,  and  all  our  wants  are  bound- 
ed by  his  wifdom,  this  habitation  has  often 
been  opened  before  me  as  a  place  of  retire- 
ment for  the  children  of  the  light,  where 
we  may  ftand  feparated  from  that  which  dif- 
ordereth  and  confufeth  the  affairs  of  fociety, 
and  where  we  may  have  a  teftimony  of  our 
innocence  in  the  hearts  of  thofe  who  behold 
us. 

Through 


392     ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS. 

Through  departing  from  the  truth  as  it  is- 
in  Jefus,  through  introducing  ways  of  life- 
attended  with  unneceilary  expences,  ninny 
wants  have  arifen,  the  minds  of  people  have 
been  employed  in  fVudying  to  get  wealth,  and 
in  this  purfuit  fome  departing  from  equity, 
have  retained  a  profeflion  of  religion  ;  others 
have  looked  at  their  example,  and  thereby 
been  flrengthened  to  proceed  further  in  the 
fame  way  :  thus  many  have  encouraged  the 
trade  of  taking  men  from  Africa,  and  felling 
them  as  naves. 

It  hath  been  computed  that  near  one  hun- 
dred •  thoufand  Negroes  have  of  late  years 
been  taken  annually  from  that  coail,  by  ihips 
employed  in  the  Englilh  trade. 

As  I  have  travelled  on  religious  vints  in 
fome  parts  of  America,  I  have  ieen  many  of 
thefe  people  under  the  command  of  overfeers, 
in  a  painful  fervitude. 

I  have  beheld  them  as  Gentiks  under  peo- 
ple profeiliTig  chrifdanity,  not  only  kept  ig- 
norant of  the  holy  fcriptures,  but  under 
great  provocations  to  wrath  ;  of  whom  it 
may  truly  be  laid,  "  They  that  rule  over  them 
"  make  them  to  howl,  and  the  holy  Name  is 
4  abundantly  blafphemed,"  Ifaiah  lii.  5. 
Where  children  are  taught  to  read  the  facred 
writings,  while  young,  and  exarnpled  in 
meeknefs  and  humility,  it  is  often  helpful  to 
them  ;  nor  is  this  any  more  than  a  debt  due 
from  us  to  a  fucceeding  age. 

But  where  youth  are  pinched  for  want  of 
the  Receifaries  of  life,  forced  to  labour  hard 

under 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     393 

under  the  harm  rebukes  of  rigorous  over- 
leers,  and  many  times  endure  unmerciful" 
whippings  :  in  iiich  an  education,  how  great 
are  the  difadvantages  they  lie  under  !  And 
how  forcibly  do  thefe  things  work  againil  the 
increafe  of  the  government  of  the  Prince  of 
Peace! 

Humphrey  Smith,  in  his  works,  p.  125, 
{'peaking  of  the  tender  feelings  of  the  love  of 
God  in  his  heart  when  he  was  a  child,  faid, 
"By  the  violent  wrathful  nature  that  ruled 
in  others,  was  my  quietnefs  diflurbed,  and 
.anger  begotten  in  me  toward  them,  yet  that 
of  God  in  me  was  not  wholly  overcome,  but 
his  love  was  felt  in  my  heart,  and  great  was 
my  grief  when  the  earthly-mindednefs  and 
wrathful  nature  fo  provoked  me,  that  I  was 
eftranged  from  it." 

"  And  this  I  write  as  a  warning  to  pa- 
rents and  others,  that  in  the  fear  of  the  liv- 
ing God,  you  may  train  up  the  youth,  and 
may  not  be  a  means  of  bringing  them  into 
fuch  alienation." 

Many  are  the  vanities  and  luxuries  of  the 
prefent   age,  and  in  labouring  to  fupport  a, 
way  of  living    conformable   to    the   prcfci:;: 
world,  the  departure  from  that  wifUo:; 
is  pure  and  peaceable,  h:i';li  been  p:: 

Under  the  fenie  of  a  deep  revolt,  ai:. 
overflowing  ftream  of  unrighteouihels,    inv 
life  has  been  often  a  life  of  mourning,    and 
tender  defires  are  raifecl  in  me,  that  the  na- 
ture of  this  practice  may  be  laid  t 

I  have 


394    ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS. 

I  have  read  fome  books  \vrote  by  people 
who  were  acquainted  with  the  manner  of 
getting  flaves  in  Africa. 

I  have  had  verbal  relations  of  this  nature 
from  feveral  Negroes  brought  from  Africa, 
\vho  have  learned  to  talk  Engliih. 

I  have  fundry  times  heard  Engiifhmen 
fpeak  on  this  fubject,  who  have  been  in  A- 
f  rica  on  this  bufinefs  ;  and  from  all  thefe  ac- 
counts it  appears  evident  that  great  violence 
is  committed,  and  much  blood  Hied  in  A- 
frica  in  getting  flaves. 

When  three  or  four  hundred  flaves  are  put 
in  the  hold  of  a  veflel  in  a  hot  climate,  their 
breathing  foon  affects  the  air.  Were  that 
number  of  free  people  to  go  paiTengers  with 
all  things  proper  for  their  voyage,  there 
xvould  inconvenience  arife  from  their  num- 
ber ;  but  ilaves  are  taken  by  violence,  and 
frequently  endeavour  to  kill  the  white  peo- 
ple, that  they  may  return  to  their  native 
land.  Hence  they  are  frequenty  kept  under 
fuch  a  fort  of  confinement,  by  means  of  which 
a  1'ccnt  arife th  in  the  hold  of  a  fhip,  and  dif- 
tcmpers  often  break  out  amongft  them,  of 
which  many  die.  Of  this  tainted  air  in  the 
hold  of  ihips  freighted  with  ilaves,  I  have 
had  ieveral  accounts,  fome  in  print,  and  fome 
verbal,  and  all  agree  that  the  fcent  is  griev- 
ous. When  thcfe  people  are  fold  in  America, 
and  in  the  i Hands,  they  are  made  to  labour 
in  a  manner  more  fervile  and  coiiftant,  than 
that  which  they  were  ufed  to  at  home,  that 

with 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     395 

with  grief,  with  different  diet  from  what  has 
been  common  witii  them,  and  with  hard  la- 
bour, fome  thoufands  are  computed  to  die 
every  year,  in  what  is  called  the  feafoning. 

Thus  it  appears  evident,  that  great  num- 
bers of  thefe  people  are  brought  every  year 
to  an  untimely  end  ;  many  of  them  being 
ilich  who  never  injured  us. 

Where  the  innocent  fuffer  under  hard- 
hearted men,  even  unto  death,  and  the  chan- 
nels of  equity  are  fo  obftructed,  that  the 
caufe  of  the  fufferers  is  not  judged  in  righte- 
oufaefs,  "  the  land  is  polluted  with  blood," 
Numb.  xxxv.  33. 

Where  blood  hath  been  fhed  unrighteoufly, 
and  remains  unattoned  for,  the  cry  thereof  is 
very  piercing. 

Under  the  humbling  difpenfations  of  divine 
Providence,  this  cry  hath  deeply  affected  my 
heart,  and  I  feel  a  concern  to  open,  as  I  may 
be  enabled,  that  which  lieth  heavy  on  my 
mind. 

When  "  the  iniquity  of  the  houfe  of  Ifrael 
'  and  of  Judah  was  exceeding  great,  when 
"  the  land  was  defiled  with  blood,  and  the 
"  city  full  of  perverfnefs,"  Ezck.  ix.  9. 
4  Some  were  found  fighing  and  crying  for 
t(  the  abominations  of  the  times,"  Ezek.  ix«4. 
and  fuch  who  live  under  a  right  feeling  of 
our  condition  as  a  nation,  thefe  I  trull  will 
be  fenfible  that  the  Lord  at  this  day  doth  call 
to  mourning,  though  many  are  ignorant  of 
it.  So  powerful  are  bad  cufloms  when  they 
become  general,  that  people  growing  bold 

thro' 


396     ON  LOVING  OCR  NEIGHBOURS. 

thro'  the  examples  one  of  another,  have  often 
been  unmoved  at  the  moil  ferious  warnings. 

Our  bleiTed  Saviour  ipeaking  of  the  people 
of  the  old  world,  fold,  "  They  eat,  they 
"  drank,  they  married,  and  were  given,  in 
"  marriage,  until  the  day  that  Noah  went 
"  into  the  ark,  and  the  flood  came  and  de- 
"  flroyed  them  all,"  Luke  xvii.  27. 

The  like  he  fpake  concerning  the  people  of 
Sodom,  who  are  alib  reprefented  by  the  pro- 
phet as  haughty,  luxurious,  and  oppreflive  ; 
*c  This  was  the  fin  of  Sodom,  pride,  fulnefs 
<c  of  bread,  and  abundance  of  idlenefs  was 
"  found  in  her,  and  in  her  daughters  ;  nei- 
r  did  fhe  flrengthen  the  hands  of  the 
"  poor  and  needv,"  Ezek.  xvi.  49. 

Now  in  ?,  revolt  fo  deep  as  this,  when 
much  blood  has  been  ihed  unrightecufly,  in 
carrying  on  the  flave-trade,  and  in  iupport- 
ing  the  practice  of  keeping  flaves,  which  at 
this  day  is  unattoned  for,  and  crieth  from 
the  earth,  and  from  the  feas  againfl  the  op- 
preiTor  ! 

While  this  practice  is  continued,  and  un- 
der a  great  load  of  guilt  there  is  more  un- 
righteoumefs  committed,  the  flate  of  things 
is  very  moving  ! 

There  is  a  love  which  fhands  in  nature, 
and  a  parent  beholding  his  child  in  mifery 
hath  a  feeling  of  the  affliction  ;  but  in  divine 
love  the  heart  is  enlarged  towards  mankind 
univerfally,  and  prepared  to  fympathife  with 
ftrangers,  though  in  the  loweft  ftations  in 
life. 

Of 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     397 

Of  this  the  prophet  appears  to  have  had  a 
feeling,  when  he  laid,  *'  Have  we  not  all  one 
"  Father  ?  Hath  not  one  God  created  us  ? 
"  Why  then  do  we  deal  treacheroufly  every 
"  man  with  his  brother,  in  prophaning  the 
"  covenant  of  our  fathers  ?"  Mai.  ii.  10. 

He  who  of  old  heard  the  groans  of  the 
children  of  Ifrael  under  the  hard  tafk-mafters 
in  Egypt,  I  truft  hath  looked  down  from  his 
holy  habitation  on  the  miferies  of  thefe  deep- 
ly opprefTed  people.  Many  lives  have  been 
ihortned  through  extreme  oppreiBon,  while 
they  laboured  to  fupport  luxury  and  worldly 
greatnefs  ;  and  tho'  many  people  in  outward 
profperity  may  think  little  of  thofe  things, 
yet  the  gracious  Creator  hath  regard  to  the 
cries  of  the  innocent,  however  unnoticed  by 
men.  * 

The  Lord  in  the  riches  of  his  goodnefs  is 
leading  fome  into  the  feeling  of  the  condition 
of  this  people,  who  cannot  reft  without  la- 
bouring as  their  advocates  ;  of  which  in  fome 
meafure  I  have  had  experience,  for,  in  the 
movings  of  his  love  in  my  heart,  thefe  poor 
fufferers  have  been  brought  near  to  me. 

The  unoffending  aged  and  infirm  made  to 
labour  too  hard,  kept  on  a  diet  lefs  com- 
fortable than  their  weak  ilate  required,  and 
expofed  to  great  difficulties  under  hard-heart- 
ed men,  to  whofe  fufFerings  I  have  often 
been  a  wituefs,  and  under  the  heart-melting 
power  of  divine  lore,  their  mifery  hath  felt 
to  me  like  the  mifery  of  iny  parents. 

Innocent 


393     ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS, 

Innocent  youth  taken  by  violence  from 
their  native  land,  from  their  friends  and  ac- 
quaintance ;  put  on  board  fhips  with  hearts 
laden  with  ibrrow ;  expofed  to  great  hard- 
ihips  at  fea  ;  placed  under  people,  where  their 
lives  have  been  attended  with  great  provoca- 
tion to  anger  and  revenge. 

With  the  condition  of  thefe  youth,  my 
mind  hath  often  been  affected,  as  with  the 
afflictions  of  my  children,  and  in  a  feeling 
of  the  mifery  of  thefe  people,  and  of  that 
great  offence  which  is  miniftered  to  them, 
my  tears  have  been  often  poured  out  before 
the  Lord. 

That  holy  Spirit  which  affected  my  heart 
•when  I  was  a  youth,  I  trufl  is  often  felt  by 
the  Negroes  in  their  native  land,  inclining 
their  minds  to  that  which  is  righteous,  and 
had  the  profeffed  followers  of  Chrift  in  all 
their  conduct  toward  them,  manifefted  a  dif- 
poiition  anfwerable  to  the  pure  principle  in 
their  hearts,  how  might  the  holy  Name  have 
been  honoured  amongft  the  Gentiles,  and 
how  might  we  have  rejoiced  in  the  fulfilling 
of  that  prophecy,  "  I  the  Lord  love  judg- 
'*  ment,  I  hate  robbery  for  burnt-offerings, 
"  and  I  will  direct  their  work  in  truth,  and 
"  make  an  everlafting  covenant  with  them. 
*'  Their  feed  mall  be  known  amongft  the 
"  Gentiles,  and  their  offspring  amongft  the 
"  people  :  all  that  fee  them  mall  acknowledge 
"  them,  that  they  are  the  feed  which  the 
"  Lord  hath  blellcd,"  Ilaiah  Ixi.  8,  9. 

But 


ON  LOVING  CUR  NEIGHBOURS,     399 

But  in  the  prefent  (late  of  things,  how 
contrary  is  this  practice  to  that  meek  fpirit, 
in  which  our  Saviour  laid  down  his  life  for 
us,  that  all  the  ends  of  the  earth  might  know 
falvation  in  his  name  ! 

How  are  the  fufferings  of  our  blerTed  Re- 
deemer fet  at  nought,  and  his  name  blaf- 
phemed  amongft  the  Gentiles,  through  the 
unrighteous  proceedings  of  his  profeiled  fol- 
lowers ! 

My  mind  hath  often  been  affected,  even 
from  the  days  of  my  youth,  under  a  fenfe  of 
that  marvellous  work,  for  which  God,  in  in- 
finite goodnefs,  fent  his  Son  into  the  world* 

The  opening  of  that  fpring  of  living  wa- 
ters, which  the  true  believers  in  Chriil  ex- 
perience, by  which  they  are  redeemed  from 
pride  and  covetoufnefs,  and  brought  into  a 
it  ate  of  meeknefs,  where  their  hearts  are  en- 
larged in  true  love  toward  their  fellow  crea- 
tures univerfally  ;  this  work  to  me  has  been 
precious,  and  the  fpreading  the  knowledge  of 
the  truth  amongft  the  Gentiles  been  very  de- 
lirable.  And  the  profeiTed  followers  of  Chrift 
joining  in  cuftoms  evidently  unrighteous, 
which  manifeftly  tend  to  ftir  up  wrath,  and 
increafe  wars  and  defolations,  hath  often  co- 
vered my  mind  with  forrow. 

If  we  bring  this  matter  home,  and  as  Job 
propofed  to  his  friends,  "  Put  our  foul  in 
4k  their  foul's  ftead,"  Job  xvi.  4. 

If  we  confider  ourielves  and  our  children 
as  expofed  to  the  hardflaips  which  tlaefe  peo- 
ple 


400    Ox  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS. 

pie  lie  under  in  fupporting  an    imaginary 
greatnefs. 

Did  we  in  fuch  cafe  behold  an  increafe  of 
luxury  and  fuperfltiity  amongft  our  oppref- 
fors,  and  therewith  felt  an  increile  of  the 
weight  of  our  burdens,  and  expected  our  po- 
fterity  to  groan  under  'oppreilion  after  us. 

Under  ail  this  mifery,  had  we  none  to 
plead  our  caufe,  nor  any  hope  of  relief  from 
man,  h6w  would  our  cries  afcend  to  the!God 
of  the  fpirits  of  all  flem,  who  judgeth  the 
world  in  righteoiifnefs,  and  in  his  own  time 
is  a  refuge  fof  the  opprefled  ! 

If  they  who  thus  afflicted  us,  continued  to 
lay  claim  to  religion,  and  were  aflifted  in 
their  bufinefs  by  others,  efteemed  pious  peo- 
ple, who  through  a  friendihip  with  them 
ftrengthened  their  hands  in  tyranny. 

In  liich  a  flate,  when  we  were  hunger-bit- 
ten, and  could  not  have  fufficient  nouriih- 
ment,  but  faw  them  in  fulnefs  pleaiing  their 
tafte  with  things  fetched  from  far  : 

When  we  were  wearied  with  labour,  deni- 
ed the  liberty  to  reft,  and  faw  them  fpending 
their  time  at  eafe  :  when  garments  anfwer- 
able  to  our  necellities  were  denied  us,  while 
we  law  them  cloathed  in  that  which  was 
coflly  and  delicate  : 

Under  fuch  affliction,  how  would  thefe 
painful  feelings  rile  up  as  witnefFes  againft 
their  pretended  devotion  !  And  if  the  name 
of  their  religion  was  mentioned  in  our  hear- 
ing, how  would  it-  found  in  our  ears  like  a 

word 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS,     401 

word    which   iagnified    felf-exaltation,     and 
hardnefs  of  heart  ! 

When  a  trade  is  carried  on,  productive  of 
much  mifery,  and  they  who  fufTer  by  it  are 
ibme  thousand  miles  off,  the  danger  is  the 
greater,  of  not  laying  their  fufFerings  to 
heart. 

In  procuring  flaves  on  the  coaft  of  Africa, 
many  children  are  ilolen  privately  ;  wars  alfo 
are  encouraged  amongtl  the  Negroes,  but  all 
is  at  a  great  diftance. 

Many  groans  arife  from  dying  men,  which 
we  hear  not. 

Many  cries  are  uttered  by  widows  and  fa- 
therlefs  children,  which  reach  not  our  ears. 

Many  cheeks  are  wet  with  tears,  and  faces 
fad  with  unutterable  grief,  which,  we  fee 
not. 

Cruel  tyranny  is  encouraged.  The  hands 
of  robbers  are  flrengthened,  and  thoufands 
reduced  to  the  mod  abjecl  flavery,  who  ne- 
ver injured  us. 

Were  we  for  the  term  of  one  year  only  to 
be  eye-witnefles  to  what  paffeth  in  getting 
thefe  flaves  : 

Was  the  blood  which  is  there  med  to  be 
fprinkled  on  our  garments  : 

Were  the  poor  captives  bound  with  thongs, 
heavy  laden  with  elephants  teeth,  to  pafs  be- 
fore our  eyes  on  their  way  to  the  fea  : 

Were  their  bitter  lamentations  day  after 
day  to  ring  in  our  ears,  and  their  mournful 
cries  in  the  night  to  hinder  u$  from  fleep- 
ing  : 

D  c]  Were 


462     ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS. 

Were  we  to  hear  the  found  of  the  tumult' 
when  the  flaves  on  board  the  {hips  attempt 
to  kill  the  Englifh,  and  behold  the  iffue  of 
thofe  bloody  conflicts  : 

What  pious  man  could  be  a  witnefs  to  thefe 
things,  and  fee  a  trade  carried  on  in  this 
manner,  without  being  deeply  affected  with 
foirow  ? 

Through  abiding  in  the  love  of  Chrifl  we 
feel  a  tendernefs  in  our  hearts  toward  our 
fellow-creatures,  entangled  in  oppreflive  cuf- 
toms  ;  and  a  concern  fo  to  walk,  that  our 
conduct  may  not  be  a  means  of  flrengthening 
them  in  error. 

It  was  the  command  of  the  Lord  through 
Ivlofes,  "  Thou  fhalt  not  fuffer  fin  upon  thy 
"  brother  :  thou  fhalt  in  any  wife  rebuke  thy 
"  brocher,  and  malt  not  fuffer  fin  upon 
"  him."  Lev.  xix.  17. 

Again  ;  "  Keep  far  from  a  falfe  matter  ; 
"  and  the  innocent  and  righteous  flay  thou 
"  not."  Exod.  xxiii.  7. 

The  prophet  Ifaiah  mentions  oppreffion  as 
that  which  the  true  church  in  time  of  out- 
ward quiet  mould  not  only  be  clear  of,  but 
fhould  be  far  from  it  ;  "  Thou  fhalt  be  far 
"  from  opprcmon."  Ifaiah  liv.  14.  Now 
thefe  words,  far  from,  appear  to  have  an  ex- 
tenfive  meaning,  and  to  convey  inilruclion 
in  regard  to  that  of  which  Solomon  fpeaks, 
'  Though  hand  join  in  hand,  the  wicked 
"  mall  not  go  unpunifhed."  Prov.  xvi.  5. 
•  It  was  a  complaint  againfl  one  of  old, 
<;  When  thou  faweft  a  thief,  thou  confent- 
"  cda  with  him,"  Pfal.1,  18.  r3'he 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     403 

The  prophet  Jeremiah  reprefents  the  de- 
grees  of  preparation  toward  idolatrous  facri- 
fice,  'in  the  fimilitucle  of  a  work  carried  on 
by  children,  men,  and  women.  "  The 
"  children  gather  wood,  the  fathers  kindle 
"  the  fire,  and  the  women  knead  the  dough 
"  to  bake  cakes  for  the  queen  of  heaven." 
Jer.  vii.  18. 

It  was  a  complaint  of  the  Lord  again  ft  If- 
rael,  through  his  prophet  Ezekiel,  that  "  they 
1  c  flrengthened  the  hands  of  the  wicked,  and 
"  made  the  hearts  of  the  righteous  .fad." 
Ezek.  xiii.  12. 

Some  works  of  iniquity  carried  on  b  . 
people  were  reprefented  by  the  prophet  Hofea, 
in  the  fimilitude  of  ploughing,  reaping,  and 
eating  the  fruit  ;  "  You  have  ploughed  wick- 
*'  ednefs,  reaped  iniquity,  eaten  the  fruit  of 
"  lying,  becaufe  thou  didft  truft  in  thy  own 
*'  way,  to  the  multitude  of  thy  mighty  men." 
Hofea  x.  13. 

I  have  felt  great  diftrefs  of  mind  fincc  I 
came  on  this  iiland,  on  account  of  the  mem- 
bers of  our  fociety  being  mixed  with  the 
world  in  various  forts  of  bufmefs  and  traffic, 
carried  on  in  impure  channels.  Great  is  the 
trade  to  Africa  for  flaves  ;  and  in  loading 
thefe  mips  abundance  of  people  are  employed 
in  the  manufactories. 

Friends  in  early  time  refufed,  on  a  n 
ous  principle,  to  make  or  trade  in  fuperllui- 
ties,  of  which  we  have  many  large  teiamo- 
nies  on  record,  but  for  want  of  faithiulnefs 
fome  gave  way,  even  fome  whofe  examples 
D  d  2  were 


404     ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS. 

were  of  note  in  fociety,  and  from  thence  o- 
thers  took  more  liberty  :  members  of  our  fo- 
ciety worked  in  fuperfluities,  and  bought  and 
fold  them,  and  thus  dimnefs  of  fight  came 
over  many.  At  length,  friends  got  into  the 
ufe  of  foine  fuperfluities  in  drefs,  and  in  the 
furniture  of  their  houfes,  and  this  hath  fpread 
from  lefs  to  more,  till  fuperfluity  of  fome 
kinds  is  common  amoiigfl  us. 

In  this  declining  date  many  look  at  the 
example  one  of  another,  and  too  much  ne- 
glecl  the  pure  feeling  of  truth.  Of  late  years 
a  deep  exerciie  hath  attended  my  mind,  that 
friends  may  dig  deep,  may  carefully  cafl  forth 
the  loofe  matter,  and  get  down  to  the  rock, 
the  fnre  foundation,  and  there  hearken  to 
that  divine  voice  which  gives  a  clear  and  cer- 
tain found. 

And  I  have  felt  in  that  which  doth  not  de- 
ceive, that  if  friends  who  have  known  the 
truth,  keep  in  that  tendernefs  of  heart,  where 
all  views  of  outward  gain  are  given  up,  and 
their  truft  is  only  on  the  Lord,  he  will  gra- 
cioufly  lead  fome  to  be  patterns  of  deep  felf- 
denial,  in  things  relating  to  trade,  and  han- 
dicraft labour ;  and  that  fome  "who  have 
plenty  of  the  treafures  of  this  world,  will  ex- 
ample in  a  plain  frugal  life,  and  pay  wages 
to  liich  whom  they  may  hire,  more  liberally 
than  is  now  cuf ternary  in  fome  places. 

The  prophet,  fpeaking  of  the  true  church, 
laid,  "  Thy  people  alfo  mall  be  all  righte- 
"  ous." 

Of  the  depth  of  this  divine  work  feveral 
fpoken,-  J°nn 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     405 

John  Gratton,  in  his  journal,  p.  45,  faid, 
tc  The  Lord  is  my  portion,  I  ihall  not  want. 
He  hath  wrought  all  my  works  in  me.  I 
am  nothing  but  what  I  ani  in  i  :m." 

Gilbert  Latey,  through  the  powerful  ope- 
rations of  the  fpirit  of  Chriit  in  his"  foul,  was 
brought  to  that  depth  of  felf-denial,  that  he 
could  not  join  with  that  proud  fpirit  in  other 
people,  which  inclined  them  to  want  vanities 
and  fuperiluities.  This  friend  was  often  a- 
inongft  the  chief  rulers  of  the  nation  in  times 
of  perfecution,  and  it  appears  by  the  telii- 
rnony  of  friends,  that  his  dwelling  was  fo  e- 
vidently  in  the  pure  life  of  truth,  that  in  his 
vifits  to  thofe  great  men,  he  found  a  place  in 
their  minds  ;  and  that  king  James  the  fecond, 
in  the  times  of  his  troubles,  made  particular 
mention  in  a  very  refpeclful  manner  of  what 
Gilbert  once  faid  to  him. 

The  faid  Gilbert  found  a  concern  to  write 
an  epiftle,  in  which  are  thefe  exprelTions  ; 
"  Fear  the  Lord,  ye  men  of  all  forts,  trades, 
and  callings,  and  leave  off  all  the  evil  that  is 
in  them,  for  the  Lord  is  grieved  with  all  the 
evils  ufed  in  your  employments  which  you 
are  exercifed  in." 

"  It  is  even  a  grief  to  fee  how  you  are  fer- 
vants  to  fin,  and  inftruments  of  Satan.1'  See 
his  works,  p.  42,  8cc. 

George  Fox,    in  an  epiftle,    writes   thus : , 
"  Friends,    (land  in    the    eternal    power  of 
God,  witnefles  againfl  the  pomps  and  vani- 
ties of  this  world." 

"  Such 


406     ON  LOVING  PVR  NEIGHBOURS, 

4  Such  tradefmen  wlio  (land  as  witnefles 
in  the  power  of  God,  cannot  fulfil  the  peo*- 
ple's  minds  in  thefe  vanities,  ami  therefore 
they  are  offended  at  them." 

'  Let  all  truft  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  pa- 
;.-  on  him  ;  for  when  truth  nrft  broke 
iorth  in  London,  many  tradefmen  could  not 
take  fo  much  money  in  their  Jhops  for  fome 
,  as  would  buy  them  bread  and  water, 
becauie   they   withitood    the    world's    ways, 
falhions,   and  cuftoms  ;   yet  by  their  patient 
.•g  on  the  Lord  in  their  good  life  and 
converfation,  they  anfwered  the  truth  in  peo- 
ple's hearts,  and  thus  their  buiinefs  increaf- 
ed/'     Book  of  Dodrinals,  p.  824. 

Now  Chriil  our  holy  leader  gracipufly  con- 
tinue th  to  open  the  underftandings  of  his 
people,,  and  as  circumftances  alter  from  age 
to  age,  feme  who  are  deeply  baptized  into  a. 
feeling  of  the  ilate  of  things,  are  led  by  his 
holy  Ipirit  into  excrcifes  in  fbme  refpecl:  dif- 
ferent from  thoie  which  attended  the  faithful 
in  foregoing  ages,  and  through  the  conftrain- 
•  >f  pure  love,  are  engaged  to  open  the 
igs  they  have  to  others. 
In  faithfully  following  Chrift,  the  heart  is 
weaned  from  the  delire  of  riches,  and  we 
are  led  into  a  life  fo  plain  and  fimple,  that  a 
little  doth  fuffice,  and  thus  the  way  openeth 
to  deny  enriches,  under  all  the  tempting  al- 
lurements of  that  gain,  which  we  know  is 
the  gain  of  unrighteouihefs. 

:  apoille  f peaking  oil  this  fubjecl,  aflc- 

eth, 


ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS.     407 

cth  this  queflion  ;  "  What  fellowfhip  hath 
"  righteoufnefs  with  unrighteoufnefs  ?"  2  Cor, 
vi.  14.  And  again  faith,  "  Have  no  fellow- 
*'  ihip  with  the  unfruitful  works  of  darknefs, 
"  but  rather  reprove  them,"  Ephef.  v.  11. 
Again,  "  Be  not  partaker  of  other  men's 
"  iiiis,  keep  thyfelf  pure."  i  Tim.  v.  22. 

Where  people  through  the  power  of  Chrill 
are  thoroughly  fettled  in  a  right  uie  of  things, 
freed  from  all  unneceflary  care  and  expence, 
the  mind  in  this  true  reiignation  is  at  liberty 
from  the  bands  of  a  narrow  felf-interelt,  to 
attend  from  time  to  time  on  the  movings  of 
his  fpirit  upon  us,  though  he  leads  into  that, 
through  which  our  faith  is  clofely  tried. 

The  language  of  Chriil  is  pure,  and  to  the 
pure  in  heart,  this  pure  language  is  intelligi-r 
ble  ;  but  in  the  love  of  money,  the  mind  be^ 
ing  intent  on  gain,  is  too  full  of  human  con^ 
trivance  to  attend  to  it, 

It  appeareth  evident,  that  fome  channels  of 
trade  are  defiled  with  unrighteoufnefs,  that 
the  minds  of  many  are  intent .  on  getting 
treafures  to  fupport  a  life,  in  which  there  are 
many  unneceflary  expences. 

And  I  feel  a  living  concern  attend  my 
mind,  that  under  theie  difficulties  we  may 
humbly  follow  our  heavenly  ihepherd,  who 
graciouily  regardeth  his  rlock,  and  is  willing 
and  able  to  fupply  us  both  inwardly  and  out- 
wardly with  clean  provender,  that  hath  been 
winnowed  with  the  (hovel  and  the  fan,  where 
we  may"  low  to  ourfelves  in  righteoufnefs, 

**  rcan 


408     ON  LOVING  OUR  NEIGHBOURS, 

4  reap  in  mercy,"  Hofea  x.  12.  and  not  be 
defiled  with  the  works  of  iniquity. 

Where  cuftoms  contrary  to  pure  wifdom 
are  tranfmitted  to  pofterity,  it  appears  to  be 
an  injury  committed  agai'nft  them  ;  and  I 
often  feel  tender  compallion  toward  a  young 
generation,  and  defires  that  their  difficulties 
;*nay  not  be  increafed  through  unfaithfulnefs 
in  lib  of  the  prefent  age. 


CHAP.     II. 

On   a   Sailor  s   Life, 

IN  the  trade  to  Africa  for  flaves,  and  in  the 
management  of  mips  going  on  thefe  vov- 
ages,  many  of  our  lads  and  young  men  have 
a  confiderable  part  of  their  education. 

Now  what  pious  father  beholding  his  fon 
placed  in  one  of  thefe  fhips,  to  learn  the  prac- 
tice of  a  mariner,  could  forbear  mourning 
over  him  ? 

Where  youth  are  exampled  in  means  of 
getting  money,  fo  full  of  violence,  and  ufed 
to  exercife  fuch  cruelties  on  their  fellow-crea- 
tures, the  difadvantage  to  them  in  their  edu- 
cation is  very  great. 

But  I  feel  it  in  my  mind  to  write  concern- 
ing the  feafaring  life  in  general. 

In  the  trade  carried  on  from  the  Weft-In- 
dies, and  from  fome  parts  of  the  continent, 

the 


ON  A  SAILOR'S  LIFE.    409, 

the  produce  of  the  labour  of  flaves  is  a  con- 
iiderable  part. 

And  failors  who  are  frequently  at  ports 
where  flaves  abound,  and  converfe  often  with 
people  who  opprefs  them  without  the  appear- 
ance of  remorfe,  and  often  with  failors  employ- 
ed in  the  flave  trade,  how  powerfully  do  thefe 
evil  examples  fpread  amongfb  the  feafaring 
youth  ! 

I  have  had  many  opportunities  to  feel  and 
underfland  the  general  ftate  of  the  feafaring 
life  amongft  us,  and  my  mind  hath  often 
been  fad  on  account  of  fo  many  lads  and 
young  men  being  trained  up  amidfl  fo  great 
corruption. 

Under  the  humbling  power  of  Chrift  I 
have  feen,  that  if  the  leadings  of  his  holy 
fpirit  were  faithfully  attended  to  by  his  pro- 
felTed  followers  in  general,  the  heathen  nati- 
ons would  be  exampled  in  righteoufnefs.  A 
lefs  number  of  people  would  be  employed  on 
the  feas.  The  channels  of  trade  would  be 
more  free  from  defilement.  Fewer  people 
would  be  employed  in  vanities  and  fuperflu- 
ities. 

The  inhabitants  of  cities  would  be  lefs  in 
number. 

Thofe  who  have  much  lands  would  become 
fathers  to  the  poor. 

More  people  would  be  employed  in  the 
fweet  employment  of  hufbandry,  and  in  the 
path  of  pure  wifdom,  labour  would  be  an  a- 
greeable,  healthful  employment. 

In 


4ro      ON    A    SAILOR's  LIFE. 

In  the  opening  of  thefe  things  in  my  mind, 
I  feel  a  living  concern  that  we  who  have  felt 
divine  love  in  our  hearts  may  faithfully  abide 
in  it,  and  like  good  foldiers  endure  hardnefs 
for  Chrift's  fake. 

He,  our  blefled  Saviour,  exhorting  his  fol- 
lowers to  love  one  another,  adds,  "  As  I 
"  have  loved  you."  John  xiii.  34. 

He  loved  Lazarus,  yet  in  his  iicknefs  did 
not  heal  him,  but  left  him  to  endure  the 
pains  of  death,  that  in  reiloring  him  to  life, 
the  people  might  be  confirmed  in  th° 
faith. 

He  loved  his  difciples,  but  lent  them  forth 
on  a  mefTage  attended  with  great  difficulty, 
amongil  hard-hearted  people,  fome  of  whom 
would  think  that  in  killing  them  they  did 
God  fervice. 

So  deep  is  divine  love,  that  in  ftedfaftly 
abiding  in  it,  we  are  prepared  to  deny  our^ 
felves  of  all  that  gain  which  is  contrary  to 
pure  wifdom,  and  to  follow  Chrift,  even  un- 
der contempt,  and  through  fufferings. 

While  friends  were  kept  truly  humble,  and 
walked  according  to  the  purity  of  our  prin- 
ciples, the  divine  witnefs  in  many  hearts  was 
reached  ;  but  when  a  worldly  fpirit  got  en-- 
trance,  therewith  came  in  luxuries  and  fu- 
perfluities,  and  fpread  by  little  and  little, 
even  amongft  the  fbremofl  rank  in  fociety, 
and  from  thence  others  took  liberty  in  that 
way  more  abundantly. 

In  the  continuation  of  thefe  things  from 
parents  to  children,  there  were  many  wants 

to 


ON    A    SAILOPx's  LIFE.      41? 

to  fupply,  even  wants  unknown  to  friends 
while  they  faithfully  followed  Chriit.  And 
in  ftriving  to  fupply  thefe  wants  many  have 
exacted  on  the  poor,  many  have  entered  on 
employments,  in  which  they  often  labour  in 
upholding  pride  and  vanity.  Many  have 
looked  on  one  another,  been  ftrengthened  in 
thefe  things,  one  by  the  example  of  another, 
and  as  to  the  pure  divine  feeing,  dimnefs 
hath  come  over  many,  and  the  channels  of 
true  brotherly  love  been  obftrucled. 

People  may  have  no  intention  to  opprels, 
yet  by  entering  on  expenfive  ways  of  life, 
their  minds  may  be  fo  entangled  therein,  and 
fo  engaged  to  fupport  expeniive  cuftoms,  as 
to  be  eftranged  from  the  pure  fympathizing 
fpirit. 

As  I  have  travelled  in  England,  I  have  had 
a  tender  feeling  of  the  condition  of  poor  peo- 
ple, fome  of  whom  though  honeil  and  indu- 
ilrious,  have  nothing  to  fpare  toward  paying 
for  the  fcJiooling  of  their  children. 

There  is  a  proportion  between  labour  and 
the  neceffaries  of  life,  and  in  true  brotherly 
love  the  mind  is  open  to  feel  after  the  nccef- 
fities  of  the  poor. 

Amongil  the  poor  there  are  fome  that  are 
weak  through  age,  and  others  of  a  weakly 
nature,  who  pafs  through  ftraits  in  very  pri- 
vate life,  without  afking  relief  from  the 
publick. 

Such  who  are  ftrong  and  healthy  may  do 
that  bufinefs,  which  to  the  weakly  may  be 
oppreflive  j  and  in  performing  that  in  a  day 

which 


412      ON    A    SAILOR's  LIFE. 

•which  is  efteemed  a  day's  labour,  by  weakly 
perfons  in  the  field  and  in  the  fhops,  and  by 
weakly  women  who  fpin  and  knit  in  the 
manufactories,  they  often  pafs  through  wea- 
rinefs  ;  and  many  iighs  I  believe  are  uttered 
in  fecret,  unheard  by  fome  who  might  eafe 
their  burdens. 

Labour  in  the  right  medium  is  healthy, 
but  in  too  much  of  it  there  is  a  painful  wea- 
rinefs  ;  and  the  hardlhips  of  the  poor  are 
fbmetimes  increafed  through  want  of  more 
agreeable  nourimment,  more  plentiful  fewel 
for  the  fire,  and  warmer  c loathing  in  the 
winter  than  their  wages  will  anfwer. 

When  I  have  beheld  plenty  in  fome  houfes 
to  a  degree  of  luxury,  the  condition  of  poor 
children  brought  up  without  learning,  and 
the  condition  of  the  weakly  and  aged,  who 
ilrive  to  live  by  their  labour,  have  often  re- 
vived in  my  mind,  as  cafes  of  which  fome 
who  live  in  fulnefs  need  to  be  put  in  remem- 
brance. 

There  are  few,  if  any,  could  behold  their 
fellow-creatures  lie  long  in  diftrefs  and  for- 
bear to  help  them,  when  they  could  do  it 
without  any  inconvenience ;  but  cufloms  re- 
quiring much  labour  to  fupport  them,  do 
often  lie  heavy  on  the  poor,  while  they  who 
live  in  thefe  cufloms  are  fo  entangled  in  a 
multitude  of  unnecefTary  concerns,  that  they 
think  but  little  of  the  hardfhips  which  the 
poor  people  go  through. 

CHAP. 


4'3 

CHAP.     Ill, 
On   ftlent    Worjhip. 

WO  R  S  H  I  P  in  filence  hath  often  been 
refrefhing  to  my  mind,    and  a  care 
attends  me  that  a  young  generation  may  feel 
the  nature  of  this  worfhip. 

Great  expence  arifeth  in  relation  to  that 
which  is  called  divine  worfhip. 

A  confiderable  part  of  this  expence  is  ap- 
plied toward  outward  greatnefs,  and  many 
poor  people  in  raifing  of  tithe,  labour  in  fup- 
porting  cuftoms  contrary  to  the  fimplicity 
that  there  is  in  Chrift,  toward  whom  my 
mind  hath  often  been  moved  with  pity. 

In  pure  nlent  worfhip,  we  dwell  under  the 
holy  anointing,  and  feel  Chrifl  to  be  our 
ihepherd. 

Here  the  beft  of  teachers  miniflers  to  the 
feveral  conditions^  of  his  flock,  and  the  foul 
receives  immediately  from  the  divine  fountain, 
that  with  which  it  is  nourifhed. 

As  I  have  travelled  at  times/where  thofe  of 
other  focieties  have  -  attended  our  meetings, 
and  have  perceived  how  little  fome  of  them 
knew  of  the  nature  of  fiient  worfhip  ;  I  have 
feh  tender  clefires  in  my  heart  that  we  who 
often  fit  nlent  in  our  meetings,  may  live  an-" 
fwerable  to  the  nature  of  an  inward  fellow- 
fhip  with  God,  that  no  ilumbling  block 
through  us,  may  be  laid  in  their  way. 

Such 


4H    ON   SILENT   WORSHIP. 

Such  is  the  load  of  unneceffary  expcnce 
which  lieth  -on  that  which  is  called  divine 
fervice  in  many  places,  and  fo  much  are  the 
minds  of  many  people  employed  in  outward 
forms  and  ceremonies,  that  the  opening  of 
an  inward  filent  wormip  in  this  nation  to 
me  hath  appeared  to  be  a  precious  opening. 

Within  the  laft  four  hundred  years,  many 
pious  people  have  been  deeply  exercifed  in 
Ibul  on  account  of  the  fu perdition  which 
prevailed  amongfh  the  profeffcd  followers  of 
Chnit,  and  in  fupport  of  their  teflimony  a- 
gamft  oppreflive  idolatry,  fome  in  feveral  ages 
have  fmiihed  their  courfe  in  the  flames. 

It  appears  by  the  hiftory  of  the  reformati- 
on, that  through  the  faithfulnefs  of  the  mar- 
tyrs, the  underftandings  of  many  have  been 
opened,  and  the  minds  of  people,  from  age 
to  age,  been  more  and  more  prepared  for  a 
real  Spiritual  worfhip. 

My  mind  is  often  affected  with  a  fenfe  of 
the  condition  of  thofe  people,  who  in  different 
ages  have  been  meek  and  patient,  following 
Chrift  through  great  afflictions  :  And  while 
I  behold  the  ieveral  fteps  of  reformation,  and 
that  clearnefs,  to  which  through  divine  good- 
r«efs,  it  hath  been  brought  by  our  ancestors  ; 
I  feel  tender  deiires  that  we  who  ibmetimes 
meet  in  filence,  may  never  by  our  conduct 
Liy  flumbling-blocks  in  the  way  of  others, 
and  hinder  the  progrefs  of  the  Information 
in  the  world. 

It  was  a  complaint  again (1  fome  who  were 
called  the  Lord's  people,  that  they  brought 

polluted 


ON    SILENT   WORSHIP.    415 

polluted  bread  to  his  altar,  and  faid  the  table 
of  the  Lord  was  contemptible. 

In  real  filent  worihip  the  foul  feeds  on  that 
which  is  divine  ;  but  we  cannot  partake  of 
lh(e  table  of  the  Lord,  and  that  table  which 
is  prepared  by  the  God  of  this  world. 

If  Chrift  is  our  fhepherd,  and  feedeth  us, 
and  we ,  are  faithful  in  following  him,  our 
lives  will  have  an  inviting  language,  and  the 
table  of  the  lord  will  not  be  polluted. 


An  EPISTLE 


A  N 


EPISTLE 


TO      THE 


QJJARTERLY    AND    MONTHLY 
MEETINGS    OF    FRIENDS. 


Beloved  Friends, 

FEELING  at  this  time  a  renewed  con- 
cern that  the  pure  principle  of  light  and 
life,  and  the  righteous  fruits  thereof  may 
fpread  and  prevail  amongfl  mankind,  there 
is  an  engagement  on  my  heart  to  labour  with 
my  brethren  in  religious  profefiion,  that  none 
of  us  may  be  a  Humbling  block  in  the  way 
of  others  ;  but  may  fo  walk  that  our  conduct 
may  reach  the  pure  witnefs  in  the  hearts  of 
fuch  who  are  not  in  profeflion  with  us. 

And,  dear  friends,  while  we  publicly  own 
that  the  holy  Spirit  is  our  leader,  the  profef- 
fion  is  in  itfeif  weighty,  and  the  weightinefs 
thereof  increafeth,  in  proportion  as  we  are 
noted  among  the  profeiTors  of  truth,  and 

active 


AN     EPISTLE.  417 

active  in/dealing  with  fuch  who  walk  difor- 
derly. 

Many  under  our  profefTion  for  want  of  due 
attention,  and  a  perfect  resignation  to  this 
Divine  Teacher,  have  in  fome  things  mani- 
fefted  a  deviation  from  the  purity  of  our  re- 
ligious principles,  and  thefe  deviations  hav- 
ing crept  in  amongft  us  by  little  and  little, 
and  increafing  from  lefs  to  greater,  have  been 
fb  far  unnoticed,  that  fome  living  in  them, 
have  been  active  in  putting  difcipline  in  prac- 
tice, with  relation  to  others,  whofe  conduct 
hath  appeared  more  difhonourable  in  the 
world. 

Now  as  my  mind  hath  been  exercifed  be- 
fore the  Lord,  I  have  feen,  that  the  difci- 
pline of  the  church  of  Chrift  ftaiideth  in  that 
which  is  pure ;  tha.t  it  is  the  wifdom  from 
above  which  gives  authority  to  difcipline ; 
and  that  the  weight\n.efs  thereof  ftandeth  not 
in  any  outward  circumltances,  but  in  the 
authority  of  Chrift  who  is  the  author  of  it ; 
and  where  any  walk  after  the  fielh,  and  not 
according  to  the  purity  of  truth,  and  at  the 
fame  time  are  active  in  putting  difcipline  in 
practice,  a  veil  is  gradually  drawn  over  the 
purity  p,f  difcipline,  and  over  that  holine(s 
of  life,  which  Chrift  leads  thofe  into,  "  in 
"  whom  the  love  of  God  is  verily  perfected," 
i  John  ii.  5, 

When  we  labour  in  true  love  with  offend?- 

crs,  and  they  remain  obftinate,  it  ibmetimes 

4&  neceflary  to  proceed  as  far  as  our  Lord  di- 

E  e  refted, 


AN     EPISTLE. 

reeled,  "  Let  him  be  to  thee  as  an  heathen 
"  man,  or  a  publican,"   Mat.  xviii.  17. 

Now  when  fuch  are  difowned,  and  they 
•who  act  therein  feel  Chrift  made  unto  them 
wifdom,  and  are  preferved  in  his  meek,  re- 
fcoring  fpirit,  there  is  no  juft  caufe  of  offence 
mhiiflred  to  any;  but  when  fuch  who  are 
active  in  dealing  with  offenders  indulge  them- 
ielvcs  in  things  which  are  contrary  to  the 
purity  of  truth,  and  yet  judge  others  whofe 
conduct  appears  more  dishonourable  than 
their's,  here  the  pure  authority  of  difcipline 
ceafeth  as  to  fuch  offenders,  and  a  temptati- 
on is  laid  in  their  way  to  wrangle  and  con- 
tend— •"  Judge  not,"  faid  our  Lord,  u  that 
"  ye  be  not  judged."  Now  this  forbidding, 
alludes  to  man's  judgment,  and  points  out 
the  neceifity  of  our  humbly  attending  to  that 
ianctifying  power  under  which  the  faithful 
experience  the  Lord  to  be  "  a  fpirit  of  judg- 
"  ment  to  them,"  Ifa.  xxviii.  6.  And  as  we 
feel  his  Holy  Spirit  to  mortify  the  deeds  of 
the  body  in  us,  and  can  lay,  *e  it  is  no  more 
'"  I  that  live,  but  Chrift  that  liveth  in  me," 
here  right  judgment  is  known. 

And  while  divine  love  prevails  in  our 
hearts,  and  felf  in  us  is  brought  under  judg- 
ment, a  preparation  is  felt  to  labour  in  a 
right  manner  with  offenders  ;  but  if  we  a- 
bide  not  in  this  love,  our  outward  perform- 
ance in  dealing  with  others,  degenerates  into 
formality ;  for  "  this  is  the  love  of  God,  that 
<l  we  keep  hi§  commandments,"  John  i.  3. 

How 


AN     EPISTLE.  419 

How  weighty  arc  thofe  inftruclions  of  our 
Redeemer  concerning  religious  duties,  when, 
he  points  out,  that  they  who  pray,  fhoulcl  be 
fo  obedient  to  the  teachings  of  the  Holy  Spi- 
rit, that  humbly  confiding  in  his  help,  they 
may  fay,  "  Thy  name  O  Father  be  hallowed! 
"  Thy  kingdom  come  ;  thy  will  be  done  on 
"  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  :" In  this  aw- 
ful Hate  of  mind  is  felt  that  worihip  which 
(lands  in  doing  the  will  of  God,  on  earth,  as 
it  is  done  in  heaven,  and  keeping  the  holy 
Name  facred.  To  take  a  holy  profeilion  upon 
us  is  awful,  nor  can  we  keep  this  holy  Name 
facred,  but  by  humbly  abiding  under  the 
crofs  of  Ghrifl.  The  apoftle  made  a  heavy 
complaint  againfl  fome  who  prophaned  this 
holy  Name  by  their  manner  of  living,  u  thro' 
"  you,"  he  fays,  "  the  name  of  God  is  blaf- 
u  phemed  amongft  the  Gentiles,"  Rom.ii.  24. 
Some  of  our  anceftors  through  many  tri- 
bulations were  gathered  into  the  (late  of  true 
worfhippers,  and  had  fellowfhip  in  that 
which  is  pure,  and  as  one  was  inwardly 
moved  to  kneel  down  in  their  affemblies,  and 
publicly  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  thofe 
in  the  harmony  of  united  exercife  then  pre- 
fent,  joined  in  the  prayer  ;  I  mention  this  in 
order  that  we  of  the  prefent  age,  may  lool? 
unto  the  Rock  from  whence  we  were  hewn, 
and  remember  that  to  unite  in  worihip,  is  a 
union  in  prayer,  and  that  prayer  acceptable 
to  the  Father  is  only  in  a  mind  truly  fancli- 
fied,  where  the  facred  name  is  kept  holy,  and 
the  heart  reigned  to  do  his  will  on  earth  as 
E  e  2  it 


A  N    E  P  I  S  T  L  E. 

it  is  done  in  heaven,  "  If  ye  abide  in  me," 
faith  Chrifl,  "  and  my  words  abide  in  you, 
"  ye  fliall  afk  what  ye  will  in  my  name, 
*•  and  it  mail  be  done  unto  you.'V—Now  we 
know  not  what  to  pray  for  as  we  ought,  but 
as  the  Holy  Spirit  doth  open  and  direct  our 
minds,  and  as  we  faithfully  yield  to  its  in- 
fluences, our  prayers  are  in  the  will  of  our 
heavenly  Father,  who  fails  not  to  grant  that 
which  his  own  fpirit,  through  his  children, 
afketh  ; — thus  prefervation  from  fin  is  known, 
and  the  fruits  of  righteoufnefs  are  brought 
forth  by  fuch  who  inwardly  unite  in  prayer. 

How  weighty  are  our  folemn  meetings 
when  the  name  of  Chrift  is  kept  holy  ? 

"  How  precious  is  that  ftate  in  which  the 
children  of  the  Lord  are  fo  redeemed  from 
the  love  of  this  world,  that  they  are  accepted 
and  bleffed  in  all  that  they  do."  R.  Barclay's 
Apology,  p.  404. 

How  neceflary  js  it  that  we  who  profefs 
thefe  principles,  and  are  outwardly  acltive  in 
fupporting  them,  mould  faithfully  abide  in 
divine  flrength,  that  "  As  He  who  hath  call- 
'  ed  us,  is  holy,  fo  we  may  be  hply  in  all 
"  manner  of  converfation."  I  Pet.  i.  15. 

If  one  profemng  to  be  influenced  by  the 
fpirit  of  Chrift,  propofcth  to  unite  in  a  labour 
to  promote  righteoufnefs  in  the  earth,  and 
in  time  paft  he  hath  manifestly  deviated  from 
the  path  of  equity,  then  to  ad:  confiftent  with 
this  principle,  his  firft  work  is  to  make  i;eiti- 
tution  fo  far  as  he  may  be  enabled  ;  for  if  he 
attempts  to  contribute  toward  a  work  intend- 
ed 


AN    EPISTLE. 

ed  to  promote  righteoufnefs,  while  it  appears 
that  he  neglecleth,  or  refufeth  to  act  righte- 
oufly  himfelf,  his  conduct  has  a  tendency  to 
entangle  the  minds  of  thofe  who  are  weak  in 
the  faith,  who  behold  thefe  things,  and  to 
draw  a  veil  over  the  purity  of  righteoufnefs, 
by  carrying  an  appearance  as  though  that 
was  righteoufnefs  which  is  not* 

Again,  if  I  propofe  to  amfl  in  fupporting 
thofe  doctrines  wherein  that  purity  of  life  is 
held  forth,  in  which  cufloms  proceeding  from 
the  fpirit  of  this  world  have  no  place,  and 
at  the  fame  time  flrengthen  others  in  thofe 
cuftoms  by  my  example  ;  the  firfl  flep  then, 
in  an  orderly  proceeding,  is  to  ceafe  from, 
thofe  cuftoms  myfelf,  and  afterwards  to  la~ 
bour,  as  I  may  be  enabled,  to  promote  the 
like  difpofition  and  conduct  in  others. 

To  be  convinced  of  the  pure  principle  of 
truth,  and  diligently  exercifed  in  walking 
anfwerable  thereto,  is  neceflary  before  I  can. 
confidently  recommend  this  principle  to  o- 
thers. — I  often  feel  a  labour  in  fpirit,  that 
we  who  are  active  members  in  religious  fo- 
ciety  may  experience  in  ourfelves  the  truth 
of  thofe  exprellions  of  the  Holy  One — "  I 
**  will  be  fanctified  in  them  that  come  nigh 
"  me."  Lev.  x.  3. — in  this  cafe,  my  mind 
hath  been  often  exercifed  when  alone,  year 
after  year,  for  many  years,  and  in  the  re- 
newings  of  divine  love,  a  tender  care  hath 
been  incited  in  me,  that  we  who  profefs  the 
inward  principle  of  light  to  be  our  teacher, 
may  be  a  family  united  in  that  purity  of 

worihip, 


422  AN    £  P  I  S  T  L  E. 

worfhip,  which  comprehends  a  holy  life,  and 
minifters  inftruclion  to  others. 

My  mind  is  often  drawn  towards  children 
in  the  truth,  who  having  a  fmall  mare  of  the 
things  of  this  life,  and  coining  to  have  fa- 
milies may  be  inwardly  exerciled  before  the 
Lord  to  fupport  them  in  a  way  agreeable  to 
the  purity  of  truth,  in  which  they  may  feel 
his  blefTing  upon  them  in  their  labours  ;  the 
thoughts  of  fuch  being  entangled  with  cuf- 
toms  (contrary  to  pure  wifdom)  conveyed  to 
them  through  our  hands,  doth  often  very 
tenderly  and  movingly  affect  my  heart,  and 
when  I  look  towards  and  think  on  the  fuc- 
ceeding  generation,  fervent  deiires  are  raifed 
in  me,  that  we  by  yielding  to  that  Holy  Spi- 
rit which  leads  into  all  truth,  may  not  do 
the  work  of  the  Lord  deceitfully,  may  not 
live  contrary  to  the  purity  of  the  divine  prin- 
ciple we  profefs  ;  but  that  as  faithful  labour- 
ers in  our  age,  we  may  be  inftrumental  in 
removing  {tumbling  blocks  out  of  the  way  of 
thofe  who  may  fucceed  us. 

So  great  was  the  love  of  Chrift,  that  he 
gave  himfelf  for  the  church,  "  that  he  might 
"  fanctify  and  cleanfe  it,  that  it  mould  be 
*'  holy,  and  without  blemifh,  not  having 
<£  fpot  or  wrinkle,  or  any  fuch  thing,"  Eph. 
v.  25.  and  where  any  take  the  name  of 
Chrift  upon  them,  profefTmg  to  be  members 
of  his  church,  and  led  by  his  Holy  Spirit, 
and  yet  manifeftly  deviate  from  the  purity 
of  truth,  they  herein  aCl  againft  the  gracious 
defign  of  his  giving  himielf  for  them,  and 

nainifter 


AN     EPISTLE.  423 

minifter  caufe  for  the  continuance  of  his  af- 
flJcUons,  viz.  in  his  body  the  church. 

Chrift  fufFered  afflictions  in  a  body  of  flem 
prepared  by  the  father,  but  the  afflictions  of 
his  myftical  body  are  yet  unfmifhed  ;  for 
they  who  are  baptized  into  Chrift  are  bap- 
tized into  his  deathj  and  as  we  humbly  abide 
under  his  fanctifying  power,  and  are  brought 
forth  into  newnefs  of  lifej  we  feel  Chrift  to 
live  in  us,  who  being  the  fame  yefterday, 
to-day,  and  forever,  and  always  at  unity 
with  himfelf,  his  fpirit  in  the  hearts  of  his 
people  leads  to  an  inward  e^ercife  for  the  fal- 
vation  of  mankind  ;  and  when  under  a  tra- 
vail of  fpirit,  we  behold  a  vifited  people  en- 
tangled by  the  fpirit  of  this  world  with  its 
wickednefs  and  cuftomSj  and  thereby  ren- 
dered incapable  of  being  faithful  examples  to 
others,  forrow  and  heavinefs  under  a  fenfe 
of  thefe  things,  is  often  experienced,  and 
thus  in  fome  meafure  is  filled  up  that  which 
remains  of  the  afflictions  of  Chrift. 

Our  blefTed  Saviour  fpeaking  concerning 
gifts  offered  in  divine  fervice,  fays,  "  If 
"  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  altar,  and  there 
<c  remembereft  that  thy  brother  hath  ought 
"  againft  thee,  leave  there  thy  gift  before  the 
"  altar,  and  go  thy  way,  firft  be  reconcil- 
"  ed  to  thy  brother,  and  then  come  and 
"  offer  thy  gift."  Mat.  v.  23,  24. — Now 
there  is  no  true  unity,  but  in  that  wherein 
the  Father  and  the  Son  are  united,  nor  can 
there  be  a  perfect  reconciliation  but  in  ceafing 
from  that  which  minifters  caufe  for  the  con- 
tinuation 


424  AN    EPISTLE, 

urination  of  the  afflictions  of  Chrrft  ;  and  i£ 
any  profefling  to  bring  their  gift  to  the  altar, 
do  remember  the  cuflomary  contradiction 
which  fome  of  their  fruits  bear  to  the  pure, 
ipiritual  worlhip,  here  it  appears  necefTary  to 
lay  to  heart  this  command,  "  leave  thy  gift 
"  by  the  altar." 

Chrift  gracioufly  calls  his  people  brethren, 
"  whofoever  (hall  do  the  will  of  God  the  fame 
*'  is  my  brother."  Mark  iii.  35.  Now  if  we 
walk  contrary  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus 
while  we  continue  to  profefs  it,  we  offend 
.againfl  Chrift,  and  if  under  this  offence  we 
bring  our  gift  to  the  altar,  our  Redeemer 
doth  not  direcl:  us  to  take  back  our  gift,  he 
doth  not  difcourage  our  proceeding  in  a  good 
work  ;  but  gracioufly  points  out  the  iieceffa- 
ry  means  by  which  the  gift  may  be  rendered 
acceptable,  "  leave,"  faith  he,  "  thy  gift  by 
4  the  altar,  firfl  go  and  be  reconciled  to  thy 
"  brother,"  ceafe  from  that  which  grieves 
the  Holy  Spirit,  ceafe  from  that  which  is  a- 
gainfl  the  truth,  as  it  is  in  Jefus,  and  then 
come,  and  oifer  thy  gift. 

I  feel,  while  I  am  writing,  a  tendernefs  to 
thofe  who  through  divine  favour,  are  pre- 
ferved  in  a  lively  fenfe  of  the  flate  of  the 
churches,  and  at  times  may  be  under  dii- 
couragements  with  regard  to  proceeding  in 
that  pure  way  which  Chrifl  by  his  Holy  Spi- 
rit leads  into  :  the  depth  of  diforder  and 
weaknefs,  which  fo  much  prevails,  being  o- 
pened,  doubtings  are  apt  to  arife  as  to  the 
poflibility  of  proceeding  as  an  aiteinbly  of 

the 


AN    EPISTLE,  42$ 

the  Lord's  people  in  the  purecounfel  of  truth ; 
and  here  I  feel  a  concern  to  exprefs  in  up- 
rightnefs,  that  which  hath  been  opened  in 
my  mind,  under  the  power  of  the  crofs  of 
Chrift,  relating  to  a  vifible  gathered  church, 
the  members  whereof  are  guided  by  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

The  church  is  called  the  body  of  Chrift, 
Col.  i.  25. 

Chrift  is  called  the  head  of  the  church, 
Eph.  i.  22. 

The  church  is  called  the  pillar,  and  ground 
of  truth,  i  Tim.  iii.  15. 

Thus  the  church  hath  a  name  that  is  fa- 
cred,  and  the  necelTity  of  keeping  this  name 
holy,  appears  evident ;  for  where  a  number 
of  people  unite  in  a  profeilion  of  being  led  by 
the  fpirit  of  Chrift,  and  publiih  their  prin- 
ciples to  the  world,  the  a6ls  and  proceedings 
of  that  people  may  in  fome  meafure  be  con- 
iidered  as  fuch  which  Chrift  is  the  author  of. 

Now  while  we  ftand  in  this  ftation,  if  the 
pure  light  of  life  is  not  followed  and  regard- 
ed in  our  proceedings,  we  are  in  the  way  of 
prophaning  the  holy  Name,  and  of  going 
back  toward  that  wilderness  of  mfFerings  and 
periecution,  out  of  which,  through  the  tender 
mercies  of  God,  a  church  hath  been  gather- 
ed ;  "  Chrift  liveth  in  fanclified  veflels,"  Gal. 
ii.  20.  and  where  they  behold  his  holy  Name 
profaned,  and  the  pure  gofpei  light  eclipfed 
through  the  unfaithfulnels  of  any  who  by 
their  ftation  appear  to  be  ftandard  bearers 
under  the  Prince  of  Peace^  the  living  mem- 
bers 


AN    EPISTLE. 

bers  in  the  body  of  Clirift  in  beholding  thefe 
things,  do  in  fome  degree  experience  the  fel-* 
lowfhip  of  his  fufferings,  and  as  the  wifdom 
of  the  world  more  and  more  takes  place  in 
conducting  the  affairs  of  this  vifible  gathered 
church,  and  the  pure  leadings  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  are  lefs  waited  for  and  followed,  fo  the 
true  fuffering  feed  is  more  and  more  oppref- 
fed. 

My  mind  is  often  affected  with  a  fenfe  of 
the  condition  of  fincere  hearted  people  in  fome 
kingdoms,  where  liberty  of  confcience  is  not 
allowed,  many  of  whom  being  burthened  in 
their  minds  with  prevailing  fuperflition,  join- 
ed with  oppreffions,  are  often  under  forrow ; 
and  where  fuch  have  attended  to  that  pure 
light  which  hath  in  fome  degree  opened  their 
xmderflandings,  and  for  their  faithfulnefs 
thereto,  have  been  brought  to  examination 
and  trial,  how  heavy  are  the  perfecutions 
which  in  divers  parts  of  the  world  are  exer- 
cifed  upon  them  ?  How  mighty,  as  to  the 
outward,  is  that  power  by  which  they  are 
borne  down  and  opprefTed  ? 

How  deeply  affecting  is  the  condition  of 
many  upright  hearted  people  who  are  taken 
into  the  papal  inquifition  ?  What  lamentable 
cruelties,  in  deep  vaults,  in  a  private  way, 
are  exercifed  on  many  of  them  ?  and  how 
lingering  is  that  death  by  a  fmall  flow  rire, 
which  they  have  frequently  indured,  who 
have  been  faithful  to  the  end  ? 

How  many  tendcr-fpirited  proteftants  have 
been  fentenced  to  fpend  the  remainder  of  their 

lives 


AN    E  P  I  S  T-L  E.  427 

lives  in  a  galley  chained  to  oars,  under  hard- 
hearted matters,  while  their  young  children 
are  placed  out  for  education,  and  taught 
principles  fo  contrary  to  the  confciences  of  the 
parents,  that  by  diflenting  from  them,  they 
have  hazarded  their  liberty,  lives,  and  all 
that  was  dear  to  them  of  the  things  of  this 
world  ? 

There  have  been  in  time  pad  fevere  perfe- 
Cutions  under  the  Englifh  government,  and 
many  fincere  -  hearted  people  have  fuffered 
death  for  the  teftimony  of  a  good  confcience, 
whofe  faithfulnefs  in  their  day  hath  mmiflred 
encouragement  to  others,  and  been  a  blefling 
to  many  who  have  fueceeded  them ;  thus  from 
age  to  age,  the  darknefs  being  more  and  more 
removed,  a  channel  at  length,  through  the 
tender  mercies  of  God,  hath  been  opened  for 
the  exercife  of  the  pure  gift  of  the  gofpel  mi- 
niflry,  without  interruption  from  outward 
power,  a  work,  the  like  of  which  is  rare,  and 
unknown  in  many  parts  of  the  world. 

As  thefe  things  are  often  frefh  in  my  mind, 
and  this  great  work  of  God  going  on  in  the 
earth  has  been  open  before  me,  that  liberty 
of  confcienee  with  which  we  are  favoured, 
hath  appeared -not  as  a  light  matter. 

A  truft  is  committed  to  us,  a  great  and 
weighty  truft,  to  which  our  diligent  attenti- 
on is  necefTary  :  wherever  the  active  members 
of  this  vifible  gathered  church  ufe  themfelves 
to  that  which  is  contrary  to  the  purity  of  our 
principles,  it  appears  to  be  a  breach  of  this 
truft,  and  oae  ftep  back  toward  the  wilder- 

aefs. 


42$  AN    E  P  I  S  T  L  E. 

tiefs,  one  ftep  towards  undoing  what  God  in 
infinite  love  hath  done  through  his  faithful 
fervants,  in  a  work  of  feveral  ages,  and  is  like 
laying  the  foundation  for  future  fuffer- 
ings. 

I  feel  a  living  invitation  in  my  mind  to 
fuch  who  are  a&ive  in  our  religious  fociety, 
that  we  may  lay  to  heart  this  matter,  and 
confider  the  ftation  in  which  we  Hand  ;  a 
place  of  outward  liberty  under  the  free  exer- 
cife  of  our  confcience  towards  God,  not  ob- 
tained but  through  great  and  manifold  afflic- 
tions of  thofe  who  lived  before  us.  There  is 
gratitude  due  from  us  to  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, and  juflice  to  our  poflerity  ;  can  our 
hearts  endure,  or  our  hands  be  ftrong,  if  we 
defert  a  caufe  fo  precious,  if  we  turn  afide 
from  a  work  under  which  fo  many  have  pa- 
tiently laboured  ? 

May  the  deep  fufFerings  of  our  Saviour  be 
fo  dear  to  us,  that  we  may  never  trample  un- 
der foot  the  adorable  Son  of  God,  nor  count 
the  blood  of  the  covenant  unholy  ! 

May  the  faithfulnefs  of  the  martyrs  when 
the  profpecl  of  death  by  fire  was  before  them, 
be  remembered  !  and  may  the  patient  con- 
flant  fufFerings  of  the  upright-hearted  fer- 
vants of  God  in  latter  ages  be  revived  in  our 
minds  !  and  may  we  fo  follow  on  to  know 
the  Lord,  that  neither  the  faithful  in  this 
age,  nor  thofe  in,  ages  to  come,  may  ever  be 
brought  under  fuftering,  through  our  fliding 
back  from  the  work  of  reformation  in  the 
world  ! 

While 


AN     EPISTLE.  429 

While  the  active  members  in  the  vifible 
gathered  church  fland  upright,  and  the  af- 
fairs thereof  are  carried  on  under  the  leadings 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  altho'  diforders  may  arife 
among  us,  and  caufe  many  exercifes  to  thole 
who  feel  the  care  of  the  churches  upon  them ; 
yet  while  thefe  continue  under  the  weight  of 
the  work,  and  labour  in  the  meeknefs  of  wif- 
dom  for  the  help  of  others,  the  name  of 
Chrift  in  the  viable  gathered  church  may  be 
kept  facred ;  but  while  they  who  are  active 
in  the  affairs  of  this  church,  continue  in  a 
manifeft  oppontion  to  the  purity  of  our  prin- 
ciples, this  as  the  prophet  Ifaiah  x.  18.  ex- 
preileth  it,  is  like  "  as  when  a  flandard  bear- 
"  er  fainteth  :"  and  thus  the  way  opens  to 
great,  and  prevailing  degeneracy,  and  to 
fufferings  for  fuch  who  through  the  power  of 
divine  love,  are  feparated  to  the  gofpel  of 
Chrift,  and  cannot  unite  with  any  thing 
which  {lands  in  oppofition  to.  the  purity  of  it. 

The  neceflity  of  an  inward  ftillnefs,  hath 
under  thefe  exercifes  appeared  clear  to  my 
mind;  in  true  filence  ftrength  is  renewed, 
the  mind  herein  is  weaned  from  all  things, 
but  as  they  may  be  enjoyed  in  the  divine 
will,  and  a  lowlinefs  in  outward  living  op- 
poiite  to  worldly  honour,  becomes  truly  ac- 
ceptable to  us  ; — in  the  defire  after  outward 
gain,  the  mind  is  prevented  from  a  perfect 
attention  to  the  voice  of  Chrifl ;  but  being 
weaned  from  all  things,  but  as  they  may  be 
enjoyed  in  the  divine  will,  the  pure  light 
ihines  into  the  foul ;  and  where  the  fruits  of 

that 


430  AN     EPISTLE. 

that  fpirit  which  is  of  this  world,  are  brought 
forth  by  many  who  profefs  to  be  led  by  the 
ipirit  of  truth,  and  cloudinefs  is  felt  to  be 
gathering  over  the  vifible  gathered  church, 
the  fincere  in  heart  who  abide  in  true  ftillnefs, 
and  arc  exercifed  therein  before  the  Lord  for 
his  name  fake,  have  a  knowledge  of  Chrifl 
in  the  fellowihip  of  his  fufferings,  and  in- 
ward thankfulnefs  is  felt  at  times,  that  thro1 
divine  love  our  own  wifdom  is  caft  out,  and 
that  forward  active  part  in  us  fubjected, 
which  would  rife  and  do  fomething  in  the 
viiifyle  gathered  church,  without  the  pure 
leadings  of  the  Spirit  of  Chrifl. 

While  aught  remains  in  us  different  from 
n.  perfect  resignation  of  our  wills,  it  is  like  a 
feal  to  a  book  wherein  is  written  "  that  good, 
"  and  acceptable,  and  perfect  will  of  God 
"  concerning  us/*  Rom.  xii.  2.  but  when 
our  minds  entirely  yield  to  Chrifb,  that 
filence  is  known,  which  followeth  the  open- 
ing of  the  laft  of  the  feals,  Rev.  viii.  i .  in 
this  filence  we  learn,  abiding  in  the  divine 
will,  and  there  feel,  that  we  have  no  caufe 
to  promote  but  that  only  in  which  the  light 
of  life  directs  us  in  our  proceedings,  and  that 
the  alone  way  to  be  ufeful  in  the  church  of 
Chriit.  is  to  abide  faithfully  under  the  lead- 
ings of  his  Holy  Spirit  in  all  cafes,  and  being 
preferred  thereby  in  purity  of  heart,  and  ho- 
linefs  of  converfation,  a  teftimony  to  the  pu- 
rity of  his  government  may  be  held  forth 
through  us,  to  others, 

A3 


AN     E  P  I  S  T  L  E. 

As  my  mind  hath  been  thus  exercifed,  I 
have  feen  that  to  be  aclivc,  and  bufy  in  the 
vifible  gathered  church,  without  the  leadings 
pf  the  Holy  Spirit  is  not  only  unprofitable, 
but  tends  to  increafe  dimnefs,  and  where 
way  is  not  opened  to  proceed  in  the  light  of 
truth,  a  flop  is  felt  by  thofe  who  humbly  at- 
tend to  the  Divine  Leader,  a  flop  which  in 
relation  to  good  order  in  the  vifible  gathered 
church,  is  of  the  greateft  confequence  to  be 
obferved  ;  thus  Robert  Barclay  in  his  treatifc 
on  difcipline  holds  forth,  page  65.  68.  84, 
"  That  the  judgment  or  conclufion  of  the 
church  or  congregation,  is  no  further  effec- 
tual as  to  the  true  end  and  defign  thereof, 
but  as  fuch  judgment  or  conclufion  proceeds 
from  the  Spirit  of  God  operating  on  their 
minds  who  are  fanclirled  in  Chrifl  Jefus." 

Now  in  this  flop  I  have  learned  the  necef- 
fity  of  waiting  on  the  Lord  in  humility,  that 
the  works  of  all" may  be  brought  to  light, 
and  thofe  to  judgment  which  are  wrought  in 
the  wifdom  of  this  world,  and  have  alfo 
feen,  that  in  a  mind  thoroughly  fubjecled  to 
the  power  of  the  crofs,  there  is  a  favour  of 
life  to  be  felt,  which  evidently  tends  to  ga- 
ther fouls  to  God,  while  the  greatefl  works 
in  the  vifible  gathered  church  brought  forth 
in  man's  wifdom,  remain  to  be  unprofitable. 

Where  people  are  divinely  gathered  into  a 
holy  fellowfhip,  and  faithfully  abide  under 
the  influence  of  that  Spirit  which  leads  into 
nl)  truth,  "  they  are  the  light  of  the  world," 
Mat.  v.  14,  Now  holding  this  profefiion,  to 

me 


432  AN    E  P  I  S  T  L  E. 

me  hath  appeared  weighty,  even  beyond 
what  I  can  fully  exprefs,  and  what  our  blef- 
•fed  Lord  feemed  to  have  in  view,  when  he 
propofed  the  neceflity  of  counting  the  coft, 
before  we  begin  to  build. 
X I  truft  there  are  many  who  at  times,  under 
divine  visitation,  feel  an  inward  enquiry  af- 
ter God,  and  when  fuch  in  the  fimplicity  of 
their  hearts  mark  the  lives  of  a  people  who 
profefs  to  walk  by  the  leadings  of  his  Spirit, 
of  what  great  concernment  is  it  that  our 
lights  mine  clear,  that  nothing  of  our  con- 
duel  carry  a  contradiction  to  the  truth  as  it 
•is  in  fcius,  or  be  a  means  of  profaning  his 
holy  Name,  and  be  a  (tumbling  block  in  the 
way  of  thole  fincere  enquirers. 

When  fuch  feekers  who  wearied  with 
empty  forms,  look  towards  uniting  with  us 
•as  a  people,  and  behold  active  members  a- 
mong  us  depart  in  their  cuftomary  way  of 
living,  from  that  purity  of  life,  which  under 
humbling  exercifes  hath  been  opened  before 
them,  as  the  way  of  the  Lord's  people,  how 
mournful  and  difcouraging  is  the  profpecl ! 
and  how  ftrongly  doth  fuch  unfaithfulnefs 
operate  againfl  the  fpreading  of  the  peaceable, 
harmonious  principle  and  teltimony  of  truth 
amongft  mankind  ? 

In  entering  into  that  life,  which  is  hid 
with  Ghrift  in  God,  we  behold  his  peaceable 
government,  where  the  whole  family  are  go- 
verned by  the  fame  fpirit,  and  the  "  doing 
"  to  others  as  we  would  they  fhould  do  un- 
"  to  us,"  groweth  up  as  good  fruit  from  a 

good 


AN     E  P  I  S  T  L  E.  433 

good  tree,  tlie  peace,  quietnefs,  and  harmo- 
nious walking  in  this  government  is  beheld 
with  humble  reverence  to  him  who  is  the 
author  of  it,  and  in  partaking  of  the  Spirit 
of  Chrift,  we  partake  of  that  which  labours, 
and  fuffers  for  the  iucreafe  of  this  peaceable 
government  among  the  inhabitants  of  the 
world  ;  and  I  have  felt  a  labour  of  long  con- 
tinuance that  we  who  profefs  this  peaceable 
principle,  may  be  faithful  flandard  bearers 
under  the  Prince  of  Peace,  and  that  rtothing 
of  a  defiling  nature,  tending  to  difcord  and 
wars,  may  remain  among  us. 

May  each  of  us  query  with  ourfelves,  have 
the  treafures  I  poffefs,  been  gathered  in  that 
wifdom  which  is  from  above,  fo  far  as  hath 
appeared  to.  me  ? 

Have  none  of  my  fellow-creatures  an  equi- 
table right  to  any  part  which  is  called  mine  ? 

Have  the  gifts,  and  pofiemons  received  by 
me  from  others  been  conveyed  in  a  way  free 
from  all  unrighteoufnefs  fo  far  as  I  have 
feen? 

The  principle  of  peace  in  wjiich  our  truit 
is  only  on  the  Lord,  and  our  minds  weaned 
from  a  dependance  on  the  ftrength  of  armies, 
hath  appeared  to  me  very  precious,  and  I 
often  feel  ftrong  defires,  that  we  who  pro- 
fefs this  principle,  may  fo  walk,  as  to  give 
jufh  caufe  for  none  of  our  fellow-creatures  to 
be  offended  at  us  ;  that  our  lives  may  evi- 
dently rnanifefi,  that  we  are  redeemed  from 
that  fpirit  in  which  wars  arc  :  our  blefled 
Saviour  in  pointing  out  the  danger  of  fo 
F  f  leaning 


434  Ax     EPISTLE, 

leaning  on  man,  as  to  neglecl  die  leadings  of 
his  Holy  Spirit,  faid,  "  Call  no  man  your 
'  father  upon  the  earth ;  for  one  is  your  fa- 
"  ther  which  is  in  heaven,"  Mat.  xxiii.  9. 
where  the  willlom  from  above  is  faithfully- 
followed,  and  therein  we  are  entruFced  with 
fubflance,  it  is  a  treafure  committed  to  our 
care  in  the  nature  of  an  inheritance,  as  an 
inheritance  from  him,  who  formed,  and  fup- 
ports  the  world.  Now  in  this  condition  the 
true  enjoyment  of  the  good  things  of  this  life 
is  underflood,  and  that  bleiTmg  felt,  in  which 
is  real  fafety  ;  this  is  what  I  apprehend  our 
blefTed  Lord  had  in  view,  when  he  pronounc- 
ed, *'  BleiTed  are  the  meek,  for  they  ihall  in- 
"  herit  the  earth." 

Selfim  worldly  minded  men  may  hold  lands 
in  the  felfiih  fpirit,  and  depending  on  the 
flrengtli  of  the  outward  power,  be  perplexed 
with  fecret  uneaiinefs,  left  the  injured  ihould 
fometime  overpower  them,  and  that  meafure 
meted  to  them,  which  they  meafure  to  others. 
—Thus  felfiih  men  may  poileis  the  earth  ; 
but  it  is  the  meek  who  inherit  it,  and  enjoy 
it  as  an  inheritance  from  the  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, free  from  all  the  defilements  and  per- 
plexities of  unrighteoufnefs. 

Where  proceedings  have  been  in  that  wif-r 
dom  which  is  from  beneath,  and  inequitable 
gain  gathered  by  a  man,  and  left  as  a  gilt 
to  his  children,  who  being  entangled  by  the 
fame  worldly  fpirit,  have  not  attained  to  that 
ciearnefs  of  light  in  which  the  channels  o£ 
rightequfhefs  are  opened,  and  juflice  done  to 

thofe 


AN     E  P  I  S  T  L  E.  435 

thofe  who  remain  filent  under  injuries  :  here 
I  have  feen  under  humbling  exercife  of  mind, 
that  the  fins  of  the  fathers  are  embraced  by 
the  children,  and  become  their  {ins,  arid  thus 
in  the  days  of  tribulation,  the  iniquities  of 
the  fathers  are  vifited  upon  ^thefe  children, 
who  take  hold  of  the  unrighteoumefs  of  their 
fathers,  and  live  in  that  fpirit  in  which  thofe 
iniquities  were  committed  ;  to  which  agreeth 
the  prophecy  of  Mofes,  concerning  a  rebel- 
lious people.  "  They  that  are  left  of  you 
"  mall  pine  away  in  their  iniquities,  in  your 
"  enemy's  land,  and  in  the  iniquities  of  their 
"  fathers  mail  they  pine  away."  Lev.  xxvi.  39. 
and  our  blefled  Lord  in  beholding  the  hard- 
nefs  of  heart  in  that  generation,  and  feeling 
in  himfelf,  that  they  lived  in  the  fame  fpirit 
in  which  the  prophets  had  been  perfecuted 
unto  death,  fignified,  *'  that  the  blood  of  all 
*'  the  prophets  which  was  fhed  from  the 
"  foundation  of  the  world,  fhould  be  requir- 
"  ed  of  that  generation,  from  the  blood  of 
"  Abel,  unto  the  blood  ofZacharias,  which 
*'  perifhed  between  the  altar  and  the  temple." 
Luke  xi.  51. 

Tender  companion  fills  my  heart  toward 
my  fellow  creatures  eftranged  from  the  har- 
monious government  of  the  Prince  of  Peace, 
and  a  labour  attends  me,  that  they  may  be 
gathered  to  this  peaceable  habitation. 

In  being  inwardly  prepared  to  fuffer  adver- 
fity  for  ChrifVs  fake,  and  weaned  from  a  de- 
pendance  on  the  arm  of  flefh,  we  feel,  that 
there  is  a  reft  for  the  people  of  God,  and 

that 


436  AN     EPISTLE. 

that  it  flands  in  a  perfect  refignation  of  our-* 
iclves  to  his  holy  Will ;  in  this  condition^ 
all  our  wants  and  defires  are  bounded  by  pure1 
wifclom,  and  our  minds  wholly  attentive  to 
the  council  of  Chtifl  inwardly  communicat xl, 
which  hath  appeared  to  me  as  a  habitation 
of  fafety  for  the  Lord's  people,  in  times  of 
Outward  commotion  and  trouble,  and  deiires 
from  the  fountain  of  pure  love,  are  opened 
in  me,  to  invite  my  brctiir-::i  and  fellow 
creatures  to  fed  for,  and  tcok  after  thatf 
which  gathers  the  mind  into  it. 


JOHN  \yOOLMAN. 


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